NBA Trade Rumors: Breaking down latest DeAndre Jordan buzz, more

Courtney Lee drawing interest from around the league

For much of last season leading up to the trade deadline, there were discussions about Courtney Lee being on the trade block. Well, as you can tell, the New York Knicks never found a trade partner for the veteran guard.

Now, he’s in the midst of a career year, currently averaging 13.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 49.8 percent from the field. He’s played a prominent role in the Knicks’ sudden relevance. That, however, may not deter New York from sending him packing.

According to ESPN‘s Ian Begley, “opposing teams continue to show interest in Lee.” Seeing as the Knicks are in the middle of a youth movement, unloading the 32-year-old may become an option despite his recent surge of success. As Begley suggests, New York brass could choose to part with veterans with a focus on the draft if things start to fall apart.

Lee would make the most sense as a trade chip. Not only is he proving himself to be an impact player this season, but the Knicks would love to part ways with the two years and $25 million remaining on his deal beyond this current season. That may make some suitors wary, but the added costs may be worth the reliable production.

If the right offer crosses general manager Scott Perry’s desk, it’s easy to imagine him at least entertaining the idea of trading Lee.