16 trade options to push the OKC Thunder into title contention

Courtney Lee

With the New Knicks prioritizing youth development, veterans in the Big Apple are excess to requirements. One veteran likely to interest OKC is two-way wing, Courtney Lee. The 32-year-old has been a serviceable wing over the years whose owed $25-million (approximately) over the next two seasons (player option in 2019-20).

New York creates space for next season

This deal satisfies three things for New York:

• Moving Lee creates roughly $7-million in additional salary for its 2019 free agency splash
• Knicks receives two players under the age of 25

The 2019 free agency stands to be one of the wildest in recent memory. The deal brings an additional $7-million-dollars to use in free agency next season and helps NY position themselves as serious buyers in July next year.

The Knicks also receive two promising wings in Alex Abrines and Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot. Abrines has transformed himself into a solid perimeter defender with the ability to knock down 3-point shots. While he has struggled this season (32.3 percent), he is a career 36.8 percent shooter who may need a change of scenery.

TLC is seeking an opportunity to play and will likely see court time in the Big Apple. Patrick Patterson is a veteran on a value contract needed to make the number work.

Thunder get their three and D wing

OKC acquire three and D wing, Courtney Lee. The 33-year-old is a 38.9 percent career 3-point shooter capable of guarding the opposing teams best perimeter scorer.

With PG13 and Russ handling a bulk of the offensive duties, Lee is a perfect complimentary piece who can be relied upon in big moments