Mike Vorkunov of the Athletic is reporting that teams have been in contact with the New York Knicks about veteran wing players Tim Hardaway Jr. and Courtney Lee. The Knicks, however, are not willing to attach any assets to either player in an attempt to clear cap space for this coming offseason.
With their franchise player, Kristaps Porzingis, out for most — if not all — of the 2018-19 season, the Knicks are looking at the perfect opportunity to develop their young players and tank. Their record is 10-35 and with Kevin Knox, Frank Ntilikina, and Alonzo Trier needing playing time, the Knicks are in a position to be sellers at the trade deadline.
Hardaway Jr. is 26 years old and is averaging 19.6 points per game for New York as its go-to scorer. He's also under contract for two more years at over $18 million per season. Lee is 33, has only played intermittently, and is making over $12 million for this season and next.
According to Vorkunov, the Knicks' hope that one of these teams give in and offer a worthwhile return for either of their veteran shooting guards. Hardaway is shooting over 35 percent from deep on a career-high 7.5 attempts per game. Lee has missed time with injuries and has lost minutes to younger players, but has a reputation as a good defender and players like him are always in demand at the deadline.
If New York plans to compete next season with a, hopefully, healthy Porzingis, both Hardaway Jr. and Lee could contribute. Moving them would signal that the Knicks do intend to pursue big-name free agents when the season ends. The team has been linked to both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving at various points in the season.
Follow Us
Subscribe