NBA: Assessing what remains of the buyout market

Moe Harkless, New York Knicks 

This is the exact opposite of a rags-to-riches story. Moe Harkless was starting for the Clippers for much of the season before they cruelly sent him to woebegone Knicks, and he was playing quite well in L.A. too.

With Paul George out for the first stretch of the season and Kawhi Leonard choosing to ease, or, shall we say, load manage his way into things, Harkless often drew the opposition’s toughest assignment on the wing. He’s long and active, able to credibly hold up against some of the league’s elite playmakers and scorers. He’s also shooting 36 percent from long range this year, so he’s not just doing it on one end.

Essentially, Harkless is the prototypical 3-and-D player. But is he a real buyout candidate? We all know the Knicks are going nowhere this year – an evergreen statement – but even so, Harkless has indicated that he expects to finish the season in New York. Why? I’m wondering the same thing.

If he were to hit the open market, the Rockets would likely come calling, as he’s an upgrade over DeMarre Carroll and Jeff Green, both of whom the Rockets signed last week. Pair him with Robert Covington and you’ve got a pretty formidable defensive duo. Even with the acquisitions of Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III, the Sixers could use some more depth around their own star duo.

Harkless might be the most intriguing name out there, mostly because he can give any team solid minutes guarding the best names in the league.