New York Knicks: Who could be waived when Allonzo Trier signs?

3. Courtney Lee

Courtney Lee has yet to play a minute for the New York Knicks, due to a strained neck suffered in training camp. There were questions on where he fit, anyway, with head coach David Fizdale’s positionless basketball.

However, when healthy, Lee was a valuable part of the Knicks from 2016-18.

In two seasons, the veteran guard had 11.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists on 45.5 percent shooting and 40.4 percent from three-point range. He provides quality defense, too.

It’s a recipe that makes sense for a contender. The Knicks are not that in 2018-19.

Marc Berman of The New York Post previously reported New York’s desire to move Lee for extra cap space. That was before the injury, and prospective teams probably need to see him play before considerating a trade.

Through the season’s first month, there remains no indication of when Lee will return. That obviously diminishes his chances of being the odd man out when the Knicks give Trier a new deal.

Plus, moving Lee requires a team taking his $12.8 million salary in 2019-20. The Philadelphia 76ers are an option if they continue to go all-in on a title, but that may not happen until later in the season.

Unless Lee recovers, plays a handful of games and the Sixers jump on making an offer that doesn’t make the Knicks take back future money, he won’t be the player to go for Trier.