New York Knicks: Ranking the contracts from most to least tradable

2. Enes Kanter (1 year, $18.62 million)

Enes Kanter owns a one-year deal, which eliminates a long-term commitment for any prospective team. However, his $18.62 million salary makes a trade difficult to fit into another payroll, unless a high, expiring contract, or multiple deals, go the Knicks’ way.

The salary would be less relevant if Kanter’s play was held in higher regard. He averages 15.1 points and 11.4 rebounds, but receives consistent criticism for defense and plays an “old-school” game for a big man in 2018-19.

The Turkish center’s value will be tested in July. For now, he does not hold much on a high salary that complicates a potential trade.

1. Courtney Lee (2 years, $25.01 million)

Courtney Lee tops the list as the New York Knicks’ least tradeable contract. This may have not been the case in 2017-18, but a neck injury and poor play upon return curtailed this into the organization needing to attach an asset to move him.

It’s no secret the Knicks want to trade Lee, as well, to open cap space for free agency, which does not help their case.

Entering Dec. 19, the 33-year-old averaged just 5.7 points in 15.1 minutes per game. It’s a crowded rotation and there’s little room for him to squeeze in enough to boost value, barring a change in strategy.

Unless Lee returns to his 2016-18 self, a Lee trade holds a high level of difficulty. Someone must take two years and an eight-figure salary for an aging player, knowing what the Knicks’ endgame is. Will anyone take the bait if New York does not include an asset?