Knicks Trade Rumors: Pros and cons of trading Tim Hardaway Jr.

Pro: Hardaway is not part of the future

Tim Hardaway Jr. is a top piece of the current New York Knicks, leading without Porzingis for nearly the past year. While not the NBA’s most efficient player, he still stepped up scoring when the team needed the assistance.

However, these trade rumors showcase the Knicks’ willingness to part with Hardaway before they take the next step in this rebuilding process. That alone indicates enough for this future prospects.

It’s not like Hardaway is old. He’s barely touching his prime at age 26, but the contractual value handicaps the Knicks for up to two more seasons, given he may not reach that $18.97 million on the open market in 2020.

If Hardaway were a cheaper player, he could withstand this rebuild as a sixth or seventh man off the bench. This is a ball-dominant player that’s as streaky as anyone shooting the basketball, which profiles a top reserve.

A trade can force Hardaway into this role, benefiting whichever team he joins. Maybe it’s on a contender or a franchise attempting a playoff push. That’s not the Knicks, but most of the Western Conference a handful of teams in the East.

It’s still difficult to move Hardaway, as noted, but the Knicks’ direction for cap space and youth have made their future clear-cut. He’s still a productive player, just not within this organization’s path.