Moe Harkless is not going anywhere, at least until the end of the 2019-20 NBA season. Though his name surfaced as a possible candidate to move to the Los Angeles Lakers, all that are now shelved with the purple and gold set to sign Markieff Morris.
The 26-year-old found himself on the Knicks side following a multi-team trade that revolved around Marcus Morris. Harkless is set to become a free agent in the summer and a move to the Lakers would have likely ended up temporary. Further, it made no sense in a way because the Lakers' priority was really a playmaker. Markieff Morris hardly fits that niche but the fact that he is already available (via buyout) made him the logical choice, NBA.com reported.
Regardless, Harkless is unlikely to lose sleep over it. Though he won’t have a chance to play on after the current regular season, the 6-foot-7 swingman is happy being in Gotham, the New York Daily News reported. However, the scenario could change this offseason, depending on the type of contract Harkless is offered.
Looking at his numbers via Basketball-Reference.com, Harkless is not exactly putting up eye-popping numbers. In 52 games, the former Big East Rookie of the Year (2012) is averaging 5.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assist. These are practically within the range of his career numbers so a stint with the Lakers may have seen him ride the bench more than playing on the floor.
For the remainder of the 2019-20 season, Harkless will earn $11 million. Those numbers are likely to increase (a bit) but the length of stay may not be similar to his last one (four years). Harkless has been erratic as of late, struggling due to injuries (knees, feet). He has shown the ability to score at times but consistency remains a big question mark. Though he has shown that he can produce better numbers when he is used extensively, the better play could depend on the team he joins for the 2020-21 NBA season.
The Knicks could be that team. New York finds itself rebuilding once more following the ouster of Dave Fizdale. Mike Miller is currently calling the shots though it remains to be seen if he will still be the head coach by season’s end. At 26, there is a big chance that Harkless could re-sign with the Gotham-based squad. A likely indication is how he plays for the Knicks remaining games this 2019-20 NBA season. If he blends in well, expect New York to dangle a new lease.
