New York Knicks Sign Tim Hardaway Jr. to $71 Million Offer Sheet (Report)
Apr 7, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) dances after hitting a three-pointer during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Hawks won 114-100. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN is reporting that the New York Knicks have signed shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. to a large four-year offer sheet.

Former Knick and restricted free agent Tim Hardaway Jr. and the New York Knicks have reached an agreement on an offer sheet. This is surprising for two reasons: 1. Hardaway’s exit from New York didn’t seem pleasant and 2. The money is outrageous.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Hardaway and the Knicks agreed on a four-year offer sheet worth $71 million.

ESPN’s Ian Begley elaborates on the deal, stating that it includes a 15 percent trade kicker with a player option in the fourth year.

Hardaway was drafted 24th overall by the Knicks in 2013, but then Phil Jackson took over. The young swingman didn’t fit into the triangle offense and was quickly dispatched because of it.

He was also criticized by the enigmatic president and vowed to take that criticism to heart. Now Hardaway’s potentially on his way back to New York.

Hardaway is coming off the best season of his career. He averaged a career-high 14.5 points per game on a slash line of .455/.357/.766.

Knicks fans may not like this contract. If you’re on a ledge right now, keep in mind Atlanta can save you by matching.

 
I'm ESNY's Executive Editor for EliteSportsNY.com. I cover the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets. Email: chip.murphy@elitesportsny.com Chip Murphy covers the NBA for Elite Sports NY. You can find him on Twitter @ChipperMurphy.