Keith Schlosser, SNY.TV Twitter | Archive
The Blazers are in a delicate situation, but it's one that could benefit the Knicks. They previously spent big to retain much of its promising youth. Unfortunately, not every rewarded player has been able to tap into the potential Portland invested in. They aren't close to becoming a perennial championship contender, so it's time to reconsider the team's core group as they look to build upon the more positive pieces.
The play of Moe Harkless and Meyers Leonard, among others, hasn't justified the means for paying them big bucks. The Blazers don't have as much flexibility to pay prospects and roster spots are certainly scarce with so many expensive veterans already on the roster.
Luckily for Portland, their plethora of draft picks could be used as incentives for prospective trade partners to take back the bigger contracts. The Knicks will have cap space this summer and aren't exactly in line to target a marquee quality player. They're desperate to get younger, so perhaps the room they have would be better-suited to help them reel in a promising asset.
Harkless is a decent enough shooter and happens to be a local New York guy, so fans would likely be drawn to him. He's simply just a role player and not much more, however. If the Knicks were going to take a hit or make an investment, Evan Turner should top their list given the Blazers' options.
The swingman's ability to meet expectations has wavered in recent years, especially considering the big contract he signed. Earnings aside, Turner would still be a very good fit for the Knicks. He's one of the most underrated passers in the league, with excellent vision for a player at his position. Serving as a point-forward of sorts (something that was highly utilized in Phil Jackson's triangle offense as a coach), the 28 year old could really help New York space the floor by finding teammates in unique places. With defense a priority this offseason, Turner would also provide a boost there.
Portland isn't the only trade partner the Knicks should consider leading up to the draft. As Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders alludes to, a Courtney Lee for the 12th overall pick would make sense for both teams. Detroit President and head coach Stan Van Gundy holds Lee in high regard and has had a knack for targeting and/or trading for his former players.
Lee had a very solid first year in New York. He showed prowess on both ends of the floor and demonstrated great leadership skills as the season came to a close. Lee would boast value as a good role model for even a transitioning team like the Knicks.
For all the same reasons, however, he'd still be a key piece for a team hoping to compete. If parting with him (and subsequently making a deal with Portland) allows New York to come away with three total first round picks, they should actively be pursuing such possibilities. An incoming player like Harkless or Turner could additionally fill the void Lee's departure would create.
