If rumors are true and the New York Knicks really want to trade Courtney Lee and Tim Hardaway Jr., they would need to attach an asset to garner the interest of other teams. With how the Knicks have been verbal in their serious pursuit of the big 2019 free-agency class, they may look to move around lucrative contracts to make way for max deals come summer next year.
Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer wrote a primer on the incoming NBA trade season, including these potential plans of the Knicks' front office:
Hardaway is averaging 21 points, but his scoring efficiency is subpar and he’s being paid too much for the limited role he should be playing. Lee has missed 25 games with a neck injury and hasn’t looked himself when he’s been available. Neither player is large enough to defend bigger wings effectively. Contending teams may rather pass on both given the salary commitment. Front-office sources expect that the Knicks will have to attach an asset to dump Hardaway or Lee. The trouble will be finding a team willing to aid their cause.
Hardaway, 26, is having a career season in points and assists this year. However, his shooting percentages (39 percent) are still troubling, arguably costing him a future in New York. Still, his shotmaking and overall talent are intriguing for teams looking for able scorers.
Lee, 33, has played six of the Knicks' last seven games after being sidelined by an injury at the start of the season. In 14.0 minutes of play per game, the veteran swingman is averaging 4.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. He has long been on the trading block.
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