New York Knicks general manager Steve Mills is under fire for giving Tim Hardaway Jr. $71 million, but on Saturday he explained the deal.
Many have been wondering why the New York Knicks gave Tim Hardaway Jr. $71 million. After all, no team in their right mind would have. The Atlanta Hawks, Hardaway’s previous team, were nowhere near the $71 million figure.So why would Knicks GM Steve Mills make this drastic overpay? He answered his critics on Saturday.
According to ESPN’s Ian Begley, it’s all about the youth movement.
Knicks GM Steve Mills says Tim Hardaway Jr. fits the Knicks’ core, with an emphasis on youth and unselfishness. “Bringing back Tim to his original NBA home is an exciting time for him and this franchise,” Mills said in a statement. “As a versatile wing whose game continues to improve, he will fit right into the core of players that make up a roster emphasizing youth, athleticism, accountability and unselfishness.”
With Kristaps Porzingis and Willy Hernangomez already on the team and bringing in first-round pick Frank Ntilikina and Hardaway Jr., the Knicks have indeed embraced the youth movement, albeit in a costly manner.