New York Knicks guard Courtney Lee recently joked about his imminent exit from The Big Apple by adding an amusing comment on an Instagram post shared by the team's official account. However, as they say, when there's smoke, there's fire.

In his piece for the New York Post, Marc Berman openly discussed the Knicks' plan to possibly ship Lee out before the start of the season.

“According to sources, Lee’s status is unclear as the Knicks have looked to deal his contract that has two years and $25 million left on it,” wrote Berman.

The article also stated that New York's motivation stems from the emergence of Tim Hardaway Jr., who like Lee, is also a natural two-guard. The Knicks tried to play them together last season by shifting Lee to the three spot, but the move did not exactly work in their favor.

The Knicks are all in on Hardaway after signing him to a four-year, $71 million contract last season. The team also considers him to be their second option behind cornerstone star Kristaps Porzingis.

Hardaway immediately paid dividends last season by averaging a career-best 17.5 points, 2.3 three-pointers, 3.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per contest. Lee's 12.0 points, 1.5 three-pointers, 2.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 steals were respectable, but not at the same level as Hardaway's output.

The Knicks also appear to see leadership potential in Hardaway, which further diminishes Lee's value for the side.

“While Knicks brass has impressed upon Hardaway the need to be a leader in 2018-19, he admits he hasn’t spoken to Lee this offseason — another indication the veteran is not paramount in the Knicks’ plans,” added Berman.

With less than two months before the new season tips off, the Knicks are pressed on time to find a workable deal to offload Lee. The next few weeks should be interesting, most especially for the 32-year-old Lee.