New York Knicks: 3 players most likely to be traded in 2018-19

1. Courtney Lee

Around this time last year, it was a matter of when, not if, Carmelo Anthony was traded. It seems that there is a similar feeling this year with Courtney Lee. The situation is different from Anthony’s, but the outcome feels like it could be the same, with Lee being traded sooner than later.

The first possible insight to this was a post made by the Knicks on Instagram. New York made a post announcing their schedule for the 2018-19 regular season. Oddly absent from the post was Lee, which caused speculation to fly that he was on his way out of New York.

https://instagram.com/p/BmUBDhlhO10/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_loading_state_control

There is no denying that Lee is still a productive player. Last season was one of the best of his career, as he had a .454/.406/.919 shooting line, averaging 12 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game.

His 3-point shooting and defensive ability is something that would be very attractive to contending teams.

Lee would slide right into virtually any lineup given his versatility. He can defend three positions well and is a great fit in any scheme offensively. His 3-point shooting is a strength, but he also plays exceptionally well off the ball as a cutter.

While Lee is still productive, at 33-years old, he does not fit the Knicks timeline. His trade value will probably never be higher, as his 2017-18 season was very strong.

The Houston Rockets would be a great landing spot to help offset the losses of Trevor Ariza and Luc Mbah a Moute. As a great 3-and-D option, Houston isn’t the only team that would benefit from acquiring Lee to bolster a roster for a playoff push.

Also, trading Lee would help the Knicks open up the salary cap space they desire for the summer of 2019. Kyrie Irving is reportedly at the top of their wish list, and to have enough money to offer him a max deal, Lee’s contract has to be moved off the books.