Report: Tim Hardway Jr. signs 4-year, $71M offer sheet with Knicks

The Atlanta Hawks have an expensive decision on their hands.

Restricted free-agent shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. signed an offer sheet with the New York Knicks worth $71 million over four years, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

The contract holds a 15 percent trade kicker and a player option in the fourth year, ESPN's Ian Begley relays.

The Hawks now have two full days from when they first receive the contract to decide on matching Hardaway's deal. Otherwise, they will watch another one of their few assets walk away in free agency for nothing.

Hardaway began his career with the Knicks as the 24th pick in the 2013 NBA draft. He instantly proved to be a capable scorer, although his defense and efficiency metrics were substandard for some otherwise putrid Knicks teams. Hardaway also clashed with Carmelo Anthony, who reportedly threatened to "beat him up" after an altercation between the teammates in 2014.

The unsuccessful two-year marriage came to an end when the Knicks traded Hardaway on draft night to the Hawks in 2015 in exchange for the 19th pick, which was used on Jerian Grant. As luck would have it, Grant was later dealt for Derrick Rose, whose $29.7-million cap hold will now have to be revoked in order for the Knicks to reacquire Hardaway at a sharp markup.

The 25-year-old Hardaway averaged 14.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists last season while hitting 45.5 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from deep in 79 appearances.