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New York Knicks: 5 players that could be gone before NBA Trade Deadline

By Kenneth Teape

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 25: The New York Knicks huddle before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on December 25, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Matteo Marchi/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 25: The New York Knicks huddle before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on December 25, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Matteo Marchi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks: 5 players that could be gone before NBA Trade Deadline
Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images /

2. Courtney Lee

Courtney Lee is in the midst of a career season. It has been an unexpected breakout for the veteran, as most players are beginning to slow down when they are 32 years old. Instead, Lee has put together his best season.

From a production standpoint, Lee is one of their best perimeter defenders and shooters. He provides invaluable leadership to a relatively young team, and trading him would signal that the Knicks are looking to the future more so than making a playoff push.

In addition to the production, Lee is a consummate professional. He is someone that every team would love to have in its locker room. Trading him would be a big blow for the Knicks in many aspects.

Lee, according to sources, is one of the likeliest Knicks to be on the move in the next week. Given his production and leadership qualities, this should not be a surprise. He would be great for contenders, as he could slide right into their rotations with no issues.

Given his age, it is unlikely that Lee will be the same kind of player he is now when the Knicks are hoping to be good in a few seasons. Will they look to capitalize on the best season of his career and move him now? It would be a move that upsets plenty of people, but it could be a smart one for the Knicks to make.

If a team offers a first round pick for Lee, can the Knicks turn that down? Lee’s contract makes things slightly more difficult to maneuver around, but if a team wants him badly enough it shouldn’t be too big of a stumbling block.

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