2017 NBA free agency: 5 worst signings of the summer
By Simon Smith
1. Tim Hardaway Jr., New York Knicks: Four years, $71 million
Despite Phil Jackson now being in the rearview mirror, the Knicks simply can’t help themselves.
Newly installed Knicks team president Steve Mills was clearly keen to reunite with one-time Knick Tim Hardaway Jr., the team’s No. 24 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. But the price tag that came along with his pursuit left virtually every onlooker around the league shaking their heads.
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Granted, Hardaway Jr. made great strides last season with the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 14.5 points in 27.3 points per game. In fact over his last 32 games of the season, Hardaway Jr. produced 18.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.8 rebounds in 32.3 minutes per game. With this in mind, it was to be expected that Hardaway Jr. would become an attractive free agent option this summer.
But considering the Knicks’ current salary cap position, such a deal is incredibly irresponsible. Already on their books are Joakim Noah, with three years and $55.6 million remaining on his deal, and Courtney Lee, who has three years and $36.8 million remaining.
However, the bottom line with the Knicks’ deal with Hardaway Jr. is – who were they bidding against? While the Hawks could’ve matched any prospective offer for their restricted free agent, it’s incredibly unlikely they thought any team would even come close to offering what the Knicks placed on the table.
Off all the tweets that transpired, it was Isola who once again seized the moment:
The Knicks want you to be excited over the Tim Hardaway Jr. signing yet no executive nor coach bothered to attend his press conference. Jeez
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) July 11, 2017
So again the Knicks’ fans, and all connected to the franchise, are going to have their respective patience tested once again following yet another questionable offseason.
Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far
Without question, this was the most head-scratching decision in 2017 NBA free agency.