THJ
Apr 6, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) celebrates a play during their game against the Boston Celtics at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

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.

https://twitter.com/kevinarnovitz/status/883171473916964864

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.

 
Charles is a sophomore at Pennsylvania State University from Long Island, New York, majoring in broadcast journalism. As a member of Penn State's CommRadio, the official radio station of the College of Communications, Charles has written various articles covering Penn State football and basketball. In addition to writing, Charles also co-hosts Empire State College, the only New York sports talkshow on campus.