The New York Knicks could receive significant value by trading veteran shooting guard Courtney Lee. Yet, it would make more sense to keep him on the roster.
For all of the criticism that Phil Jackson received during his tenure as team president of the New York Knicks, signing Courtney Lee remains a commended decision. Lee’s four-year, $48 million contract is viewed as fair, if not less than he could have received elsewhere.
As the Knicks commit to a youth movement that will prioritize development over a win total, however, Lee’s name has begun to surface in trade speculation.
Lee, 32, is entering his 10th season in the NBA—a feat unto itself. With New York committing its resources to signing younger players and building for the future, fans have rationally questioned how a veteran fits into the equation.
When one considers that Lee could command a solid return in a potential trade, the appeal of shipping him to a contender in need of a two-way wing inevitably grows.
A trade would likely be held off on until the trade deadline, but an earlier move could be made if the Knicks feel the returning package is intriguing enough. Before the team seeks out trade opportunities, it must first evaluate how keeping Lee on the roster could be beneficial.
The question is: Why should general manager Scott Perry and the New York Knicks hold off on exploring the trade market for Courtney Lee?