
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.
Knicks' offer sheet to Tim Hardaway Jr. is $71M-plus and has final year salary of nearly $19M. Hawks have 2 days to decide whether to match. https://t.co/6kau6yaiVw
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 7, 2017
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.