Knicks Rumors: NY Expected to Have Interest in Re-Signing Moe Harkless

The New York Knicks are "expected to express interest" in re-signing forward Maurice Harkless this offseason, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, with "playoff contenders planning to pursue him in free agency as well."

The Knicks acquired Harkless, a 2020 first-round pick and a 2021 second-rounder from the Los Angeles Clippers at February's trade deadline in a three-team deal that sent Marcus Morris Sr. to L.A.

Harkless, 26, has averaged 7.3 points and 4.0 rebounds in eight contests with the Knicks (six starts), shooting 45.7 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from three. Those numbers are in line with his career averages (7.2 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 47.8 shooting percentage, 32.7 percent from three).

Keeping him in New York may be tricky for a Knicks team perennially out of the postseason picture. Harkless admitted in late February it hasn't been an easy adjustment going from a Clippers team with championship aspirations to a lottery team like the Knicks:

He did grow up in Queens as a Knicks fan, though, and stayed home to play college basketball at St. John's, so the Knicks could have the hometown edge.

"It's a dream come true," Harkless told reporters after the Knicks acquired him. "I was a Knicks fan growing up. I loved watching the Knicks on TV, I loved coming to the Garden for games when I could. And I actually played at the Garden in college, too, so it's like I've come full circle now."

The Knicks don't have a shortage of forwards with Julius Randle, Bobby Portis, Taj Gibson, RJ Barrett and Kevin Knox II all available. But they could dangle a player like Randle for future trade assets in the offseason, building around young players like Barrett, Knox and Mitchell Robinson. Harkless could make sense as a veteran role player to complement the team's young core.