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Knicks Trade Rumors: New York reluctant to trade Courtney Lee

By Maxwell Ogden

MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 17: Kyle O'Quinn #9 and Courtney Lee #5 of the New York Knicks get introduced before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 17, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 17: Kyle O'Quinn #9 and Courtney Lee #5 of the New York Knicks get introduced before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 17, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Rival executives are interested in New York Knicks shooting guard Courtney Lee, but the asking price is high for the coveted 10-year veteran.

With the 2018 NBA trade deadline on the horizon, the New York Knicks are emerging as a franchise with coveted assets. Between the surplus of centers and the underrated veteran wings, the Knicks have no shortage of quality contributors.

As teams explore the possibility of poaching one of New York’s veterans, one name continues to surface: Courtney Lee.

Lee is a 10-year veteran who has been the epitome of consistency during his NBA career. He’s currently in the midst of his best season thus far, setting career-best marks in points, assists, steals, and three-point field goals made per game.

According to Ian Begley of ESPN New York, the Knicks are willing to trade Lee, but only if it means bringing back a significant return.

"New York values its veterans and views them as pivotal in building a winning culture. So those factors likely will be weighed if serious offers for Lee emerge. Opposing executives have come away with the impression that the Knicks aren’t looking to trade Lee and would do so only if it meant bringing back a significant return."

Some may want the Knicks to trade their veterans for long-term assets, but this report is consistent with Scott Perry’s idea of rebuilding.

If the Knicks can acquire a first-round draft pick for Lee, then it’s conceivable that Perry would pull the trigger on a trade. The same could be said if Lee were able to bring back a quality young player who fits the timeline that franchise player Kristaps Porzingis is developing along.

To simply dump Lee for anything the Knicks can get, however, would be an irresponsible move that overlooks the value of veterans to a rebuild.

Lee may not be a franchise cornerstone in the same way that Porzingis, Frank Ntilikina, and Tim Hardaway Jr. are, but he’s a player with significant value.

It’s players like Lee who help the younger generation of contributors learn positive work habits both on and off the court. It’s also players like Lee who make the under-appreciated plays during close games that help turn strong showings by the future stars into wins.

Whether it’s a matter of helping the younger players build confidence or developing the ideal tendencies, veterans like Lee are of indescribable importance.

Must Read: Designing an ideal Kemba Walker trade

Guidance and leadership is worth more than it’s given credit for, and the New York Knicks are as mindful of that truth as any.

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