New York Knicks: How players who departed in 2018-19 fared elsewhere

Courtney Lee

Slash Line (with Mavericks): .390/.282/.714
Season Averages (with Mavericks): 3.6 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.5 3PM

What a lost season 2018-19 became for Courtney Lee. He played well in the first two seasons of a four-year contract with the New York Knicks, including shooting over 40 percent from three-point range and quality defense.

Before this past season even started, though, Lee was subjected to trade rumors, since his contract stretched through 2019-20, limiting cap space for the anticipated free-agent period, with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard and other top names hitting the market.

Then came a neck injury that shut Lee down for two months. He eventually returned, but played just 10 games, before the Porzingis trade that allowed New York’s front office to clear cap.

Dallas was no better for Lee. While he played 22 games, it was for just 12.2 minutes per contest and under four points. It did nothing to help his future, but having that last year of guaranteed money could be a chance to salvage this season.

The Mavs will have a healthy Porzingis, Luka Doncic and whoever they acquire with cap space in free agency. If Lee can become the veteran presence he once was in New York, the Mavericks may have a decent complementary piece off the bench. Nothing more than 15-20 minutes per game, but enough to back up a young starting lineup.

Lee will enter 2019-20 at age 34. It could be his last go-around, so look for more from the long-time guard, if he has anything left after a down season.