Rival teams have inquired about Tim Hardaway Jr. and Courtney Lee, according to Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic, who suggests that the Knicks would be open to moving either player and creating additional 2019 cap flexibility — even if losing Hardaway would make the lottery-bound team even less competitive on a nightly basis.
However, league sources tell Vorkunov that the Knicks “have been adamant” about not attaching any sweeteners to Hardaway or Lee in a deal. Both players are on pricey multiyear contracts and aren’t exactly positive assets right now, so any team willing to trade expiring salary for either Hardaway or Lee would likely be seeking a draft pick or a young player from New York. Apparently, as Vorkunov details, the Knicks are averse to that idea, as they were when they tried to shop Joakim Noah last year.
In contrast to past management groups, the Knicks’ current front office has exhibited a commendable commitment to hanging onto future draft picks. And while that stance may be in the club’s best long-term interests, it may reduce the likelihood of Hardaway or Lee being dealt by February 7. Perhaps, as Vorkunov writes, a contending team in need of a veteran scorer or shooter will relent by the deadline and make a deal with the Knicks without asking for an extra asset, but that’s certainly no lock.
Here’s more on the Knicks:
- Vorkunov’s piece goes more in-depth on which Knicks players are the most and least likely to be moved by next month’s deadline, and is worth checking out in full. He identifies Enes Kanter as the player most likely to be with a new team after February 7, though a number of other veterans are also trade candidates.
- Speaking of Kanter, he expressed some disappointment and frustration on Monday after being informed by head coach David Fizdale that he’d likely be out of the rotation going forward, per Marc Berman of The New York Post. Of course, Kanter’s removal from the rotation lasted about a quarter and a half — he entered Monday’s game in the second quarter after Luke Kornet went down with an ankle sprain, and figures to continue seeing regular minutes if Kornet has to miss time.
- Still, Kanter sounds like someone who might be ready to move on from the Knicks if his minutes are cut back again, as Berman relays: “I love it here, but in the end, I want to play basketball. I miss playing basketball, man. And I would let [Knicks GM] Scott [Perry] and my agent handle that stuff. We had the conversation [Sunday], and they were kind of like, shutting me down. So I’m like, I want to play basketball. I love it here. I love New York. I love the fans, but in the end, I want to play basketball.”
- The Knicks’ commitment to a youth movement may not be good news for Kanter, but it should benefit Frank Ntilikina, writes George Willis of The New York Post.
If they can find a sucker to take either, they should do so.
With Lee at this point I would agree Z-A, but I think Hardaway will offer some value. He is overpaid, but if he got the $13M a year that was projected, I don’t think anyone would argue that he’s a bloated contract.
If the Knicks would take back $6-$7M in longer term contract, I am sure they can move him at the deadline.
What about the Knicks offering Courtney Lee with a 2019 2nd rounder to Washington for Morris? Morris is hurt at the moment and is on an expiring contract. Washington has no cap flexibility for ’19-20, so Lee would give them another player for next season and they get a pick as well.
It would be great for the Knicks if they could move either THJ or Lee, but it’s not necessary for this summer, so there’s no need to give away picks to get rid of them. If they are fortunate enough to get a max FA this summer, they can get the needed space by stretching one or both guys, and, because of their other likely payroll, there would be little practical impact in the out years. If they aren’t, then they’ll have Lee as an expiring deal and THJ can be carried over to the following summer.
FWIW, I’d be shocked if anyone trades expiring deals for THJ. Then again, I was shocked when the Knicks gave him that offer sheet. Less surprised if someone wants Lee, even with him being nailed to the bench.
How much do they have in cap space? Isn’t the cap good now???
Right now its 60M. They have to extend KP. So add 17.1 for his cap hold. 77.9M. 31.1M space. Not enough for a max contract of any player w 6+ yrs of experience. Finding a way out of THJ and CL = 61.95M cap space. Attach FN, 66.84M or 2 potential premier FAs at 32.7M/yr.
Unicorn + Knox + Zion/RJ + 2 max players = Top 4 seed in the East depending on who leaves which team.
+whatever you’re on dude that’s never happening change your handle to Knicks fever dreamer I’ve been in on them since the 90’s they exist to be walloped – also I liked your comment
I think the only team that would take either is like the rockets pelicans or blazers who are already maxed out and are going all in and would send back McCrap burgers
can the knicks trade dolan?