The Knicks Let Justin Holiday Leave to the Bulls (Report)
Feb 25, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Justin Holiday (8) during second half against Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden. The New York Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 110-109. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

One of the few bright spots of the 2016-17 season was Justin Holiday. That’s why it’s such a surprise the Knicks let him leave.

As recently as Sunday afternoon Ian Begley of ESPN New York reported that the Knicks had contacted key reserve Justin Holiday, and had “strong interest” in bringing him back.

Mere hours later, Holiday is headed back to the Chicago Bulls, and word is New York didn’t try very hard to stop him.

Sham Charania of The Vertical first reported that deal was for two-years, $9 million. Seriously, they couldn’t pony up that kind of dough? New York does have $20 million in cap room.

Begley reported that not only did the Knicks let Holiday walk, but they never made a competitive offer in the first place.

Letting Holiday go without even making a competitive offer sends the message that the team isn’t looking to win anytime soon.

If you’re not looking to win anytime soon, you might as well start dealing guys like Courtney Lee and Kyle O’Quinn.

It’s a shame to see Holiday go. He was just a throw in during the Derrick Rose trade and was arguably the more valuable player during the season.