New York Knicks: 5 roster moves they must make this offseason

2. Move on from Maurice Harkless

By taking Vassell in the draft, the Knicks give themselves a chance to move on from small forward Maurice Harkless. While Harkless can defend multiple positions, it ‘ time for the Knicks to let some of their younger guys sink or swim.

This proud franchise has been in the middle of a rebuild for too long. They have always gone for the middle ground where they want their young players to develop but they have kept the veterans as a just in case measure.

Harkless was a part of the Marcus Morris trade that brought back a first and second-round draft pick, including the 27th overall selection.

At the age of 27, Harkless does not fit with the rebuilding timeline of the Knicks. The 27th pick has produced some quality players t in the last 10 years, including Pascal Siakam, Rudy Gobert, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Kyle Kuzma.

By letting Harkless walk to a team who can use his swiss-army style defense, rather than trying to re-sign him, the Knicks are releasing the safety net. They can then put the future core on the court together for extended periods and have them learn and develop as a team.

This might mean the Knicks have some more short-term pain. If the players are good enough, this will lead to massive long-term benefits.