New York Knicks: Courtney Lee might want to leave the Knicks, but should he want to?

New York Knicks. Courtney Lee. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
New York Knicks. Courtney Lee. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The rumor mill is swirling as we get ready for the New York Knicks to begin training camp. For all the positives, the Courtney Lee “wanting to leave” rumors are getting interesting.

New York Knicks player, Courtney Lee, seemingly wants out of New York and wishes to play for a contender, at least that is a possibility. At this point, who really knows?

We got two conflicting reports from ESPN’s Ian Begley and NY Post writer, Marc Berman on this Courtney Lee saga.

On one hand, we have Berman, who is claiming that Knick’s guard, Courtney Lee , wants to play for a contender. Seeing as there is no chance the Warriors lose this year, I assume he would want to play there.

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On the other hand, we have Begley, who reported that Lee is refuting these claims, saying that he wants to stay in New York, and capitalize on the huge contract no other team would ever give him.

Lee is very underrated coming off his best season to date. But, to Lee’s defense, the Knicks are starting the youth movement in the Garden, making this year a wash.

No Kristaps Porzingis, and an extremely young, yet energetic core of players, does not lead to wins. Lee has a tough decision to make.

I will argue both sides for Lee.

Why should Lee stay with the Knicks? 

When the Knicks inevitably cut/trade/punt Joakim Noah, Courtney Lee becomes the oldest player on the team, at 32.

There is an allure of being the oldest veteran on the team. Lee’s leadership would be forefront in helping these young guards develop into stars that they could become.

Lee would also get to play on the Knicks this season. Again, he is a vastly underrated talent, plays both ends of the floor well, and shoots a casual 92% from the charity stripe.

On the Knicks, he can continue to contribute at a high level. On a contender, he becomes an average role player, and struggles for minutes. He probably gets passed around the league cause he’s not worth $11+ million to a contender.

Lee could stay for one more season, show that he can play, and when the Knicks need the money for a free agent next year, then they trade him.

Why should Lee want to leave the Knicks? 

The obvious reason is to win.

The Knicks couldn’t possibly get any younger, and Lee is looking at another season of losing. Getting traded to a contender and ring chasing, is the new hip thing to do.

As mentioned above, Lee would have to find the perfect scenario to become a solid contributor. The Warriors are the Warriors, Rockets have an elite back court as well, Boston has too many guards too count, and Philadelphia has J.J. Redick who serves the same purpose as Lee.

It would be hard to find a perfect scenario for Lee, but if winning is a ring is more important than playing, getting traded is the best move for him. Even if it’s it not best to move him, the Knicks need the cap space for next season.

These Knicks players are poised to breakout. dark. Next

What do you think? Should Lee stay, or be moved before the season?