NBA Rumors: Harkless Undecided About Next Move, Buyout Hangs

Maurice Harkless finds himself the talk of the town but it appears such has not affected him that much. After ending up with the New York Knicks, the 26-year-old wingman has been linked to a possible move to the Los Angeles Lakers. The only precedent to that is that the Knicks need to buy him out first. New York is willing to do so if Harkless does request for one.

However, it appears Harkless is divided on whether to ask for a buyout or not. In an interview with Danny Small of Elite Sports New York, the 15th overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft hardly seemed like the player who would want to join a contender.

“There’s been some talk about it, but I’m kind of just focusing on today. If my agent and I decide to explore that, that’s a conversation we’ll have. But right now, I haven’t really put much thought into it,” Harkless said.

Aware that he will become a free agent, it is possible that Harkless does not want to move again on a short-term lease. The fact that he is due a hefty pay raise is probably a reason, something that he may not get with the Lakers should a buyout happen. However, he could be passing up a great opportunity to win an NBA ring.

There is also the matter of playing time for Harkless. Most know that the prime requirement of Los Angeles is a point guard. Failing to get one at the NBA trade deadline and finding no one suitable in the free-agent market, LeBron James is likely the one to do the playmaking chores. Some feel that Harkless could be used at the small forward position if that happens. However, the fact remains that other guys play the same position. That includes Kyle Kuzma and Danny Green.

A look at Basketball-Reference.com shows Harkless averaging about 23 minutes per game. In his first game with the Knicks, he saw 25 minutes of action. With the Lakers, he could be used less than 20 minutes, depending on how he blends in with Frank Vogel's system.

The Lakers are interested in Harkless but it doesn't mean they are aggressively in need of his services. Los Angeles is skimming the market for the best available talent - even if it does not align with the position they are actually looking for.