New York Knicks: Reasons to love the Tim Hardaway Jr. signing

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 26: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks looks to pass while being defended by Jae Crowder #99 of the Boston Celtics in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on April 26, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 26: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks looks to pass while being defended by Jae Crowder #99 of the Boston Celtics in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on April 26, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 26: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks looks to pass while being defended by Jae Crowder #99 of the Boston Celtics in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on April 26, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 26: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks looks to pass while being defended by Jae Crowder #99 of the Boston Celtics in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on April 26, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Tim Hardaway Jr. has signed an offer sheet with the New York Knicks. Why should you be in favor of Hardaway ending up with the Knicks?


The New York Knicks nearly completed a full week of free agency without handing out a big contract. On Thursday evening, however, the Knicks spent big on a player who could expedite the evolving youth movement.

The question of the hour, however, is whether or not the Knicks’ latest splurge will be worth the price tag that it carries.

New York blindsided many when it announced the decision to sign shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. to a four-year deal. It was well-received on the surface, but the financial figures have created a rather divided fanbase.

According to Shams Charania of The Vertical, Hardaway’s four-year deal will be worth upwards of $71 million, including a near $19 million player option for his fourth season.

That’s a hefty salary for the Knicks to pay to a player who has thus far been a role player.

For as terrifying as another $18 million per year contract may be, there’s reason to be optimistic about this possibility. Hardaway has made significant progress in recent seasons, and he fits the mold of what New York appears to be looking for.

The New York Knicks are admittedly taking a risk, but there’s reason to believe that Tim Hardaway Jr. could be a quality contributor if the Atlanta Hawks let him walk.