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Toronto Raptors Anthony Parker goes to the basket against Golden State Warriors Al Harrington (L) and Ronny Turiaf (C) during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Toronto, October 31, 2008. REUTERS/Mark Blinch (CANADA)

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The New York Knicks acquired Golden State Warriors forward Al Harrington in exchange for guard Jamal Crawford on Friday.

"I drafted Al back in 1998 and I think his talents are a great fit for our style of play," Knicks president Donnie Walsh said in a statement. "This trade also gives us more long-term flexibility while enabling us to remain competitive this season.

"To acquire a player of Al's caliber we had to give up someone we all really liked in Jamal. We thank him for his contributions both on and off the court and wish him all the best in Golden State."

Harrington, a first-round pick by the Indiana Pacers in the 1998 draft, has averaged 13 points and 5.8 rebounds in 660 NBA games. This season his average is 12.4 points and 5.6 rebounds after five games.

"Al is a true NBA veteran who possesses multi-positional skills," Knicks head coach Mike D'Antoni said. "He will fit perfectly into our system and will help us win some games immediately."

(Writing by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Los Angeles; Editing by Tony Jimenez)