Maurice Harkless has heard the talk of a potential buyout, but so far that’s just noise.
The Queens native and newest Knick hasn’t spoken to his agent about requesting a buyout from the team to join a playoff contender. In fact, the 26-year-old Harkless, who attended Forest Hills High School and played at St. John’s for one year before getting taken 15th overall by the 76ers in the 2012 NBA Draft, is enjoying being back home.
“Honestly, I haven’t put any real thought into it,” he said on Wednesday following practice. “There’s been some talk about it, but I’m just focusing on today. If my agent and I decide to explore it, it’s a conversation we’ll have. Nothing on my end has been initiated.”
The 6-foot-7 Harkless, obtained in trade that sent Marcus Morris to the Clippers, made his Knicks debut Feb. 12 in the final game before the All-Star break, scoring four points and adding five rebounds in an ugly loss to the Wizards. He appeared in 50 games (38 starts) with the Clippers, averaging 5.5 points and 4.0 rebounds in 22.8 minutes per game.
Harkless was a starter with the Trail Blazers the past four years, so being on a team with little postseason hope is a new situation for him. Of course, that doesn’t mean he won’t be back in the playoffs in a few months if he takes a buyout. The Post reported at the time of the trade the Knicks would be willing to grant Harkless a buyout if he sought one. The Lakers reportedly are one of the teams that would have interest.
“There are a few things that factor into it,” Harkless said. “What the situation is here obviously. Whether or not, since it is the last year on my contract, it makes sense to join a contender and play on the playoff stage. Those are all things we got to think about. Right now, I’m just focused on getting up to speed here, making the most of this.”
For now, Harkless is living out a dream, playing for his hometown team, which he grew up rooting for. After spending the first seven years of his NBA life in other cities, he likes seeing familiar faces and catching up with old friends.
“More people want to see you. People want to come to the games. I don’t think that’s necessarily really a bad thing,” he said. “I enjoy being home. I enjoy being able to spend time with my friends and family. I’m actually excited about it.
“I played here in college, so I already got a mini dose of it. It’s another level now, but it’s something that I enjoy.”