The Knicks have moves to make to ensure they have enough cap space to go big game hunting among free agents next summer. That means some kind of buyout/waive and stretch with Joakim Noah and making decisions on guys such as Lance Thomas, Emmanuel Mudiay, and Ron Baker.
Another idea that has been at least explored is trading Courtney Lee, although there was no real traction there this summer. That led to a report from Marc Berman of the New York Post that Lee wants to be traded to a contender.
Lee does not want to be traded, he made it clear to Ian Begley of ESPN.
On the reports that Courtney Lee wants the be traded from the Knicks: Lee has not expressed a desire to be moved. In a conversation with ESPN, Lee refuted the idea that he prefers to be traded. He says he’s happy being a Knick & looking forward to starting training camp next week
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) September 19, 2018
There can be something to both reports. Does Lee want to be traded? No. He wants to stay a Knick. However, if they are shopping him, he’d probably rather land with a playoff team or contender than another rebuilding team.
Which is what the Knicks are this year with Kristaps Porzingis injured, it’s a season about new coach David Fizdale laying a foundation and starting to change the culture, not wins or the playoffs.
Whether he wants it or not, Lee’s name will come up in trade rumors this season. Whether the Knicks can ultimately find a deal is another question entirely.
