One of the up-and-coming teams in the NBA following a series of down years, the New York Knicks head into next season with renewed optimism.
Not only did the Eastern Conference get even weaker than before, but the Knicks made increased headway into their rebuild, drafting a talented Kevin Knox in the first round of the draft. With a focus on younger talent, some of their older pieces may begin to be left out, including veteran swingman Courtney Lee. According to NY Post’s Marc Berman, the Knicks have been looking to deal the 32-year=-old Lee.
The hope is Hardaway, who played a lot of small forward this season in a awkward tandem with Courtney Lee, will return to his natural position of shooting guard.
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. 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.
Though Courtney Lee is a serviceable 3-and-D type player on the perimeter, he doesn’t exactly mesh well with New York’s future plans.
Breakout candidate Tim Hardaway Jr. is much more a part of the Knicks’ long-term outlook than Lee is. Considering the two play the same position, it’s rather easy to envision the Knicks shipping Lee away prior to the beginning of next season.
The Knicks have a plethora of guards crowding their backcourt and most of them have higher potential ceilings than the steady and consistent Lee. The likes of Hardaway, Frank Ntilikina, Emmanuel Mudiay and Trey Burke will all be vying for more minutes as the Knicks look to push for a playoff spot next season.
