Everyone knew the New York Knicks were going to make a trade ahead of the 2024 NBA Deadline; they just weren’t sure what the deal would be. Now, we know what it is as the Knicks have finalized a deal with the Detroit Pistons.
The Knicks are acquiring veterans Alec Burks and Bojan Bogdanovic in exchange for Evan Fournier, Quentin Grimes, Malachi Flynn, Ryan Arcidiacono and two future second-round picks. The full details were shared by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
This is a huge trade for New York, as they fill all of the gaps on their roster that need to be plugged. Burks, who was a favorite of Tom Thibodeau’s during his first stint with the Knicks, is the shot creator the team was lacking with Immanuel Quickley heading to the Toronto Raptors.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Alec Burks, Bojan Bogdanovic, 2024 NBA Trade Deadline, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks Updates
While not a pure point guard, Burks showed that he is at least capable of keeping the offense on track. He has the size to play alongside Jalen Brunson as well as a strong, capable defender who can guard multiple positions.
Bogdanovic provides the Knicks with some much-needed insurance in the frontcourt. Capable of playing either forward spot, he will have a major role with the team as long as starting forwards OG Anunoby and Julius Randle are sidelined.
Adding Bogdanovic provides Thibodeau with a reliable forward he can play at either spot so his starters get ample rest. That was the biggest item on their to-do list ahead of the deadline; New York needed guys who could soak up minutes so their starters wouldn’t run into the ground ahead of the NBA Playoffs.
Burks and Bogdanovic will be immediate contributors in New York, who now have as deep of a rotation as any team in the NBA. Getting the injured players healthy, and having the healthy one stay that way, should be the team’s No. 1 goal for the remainder of the season.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Alec Burks, Bojan Bogdanovic, 2024 NBA Trade Deadline, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks Updates
Another thing this trade does is enable the Knicks to be players on the buyout market. They cleared several roster spots with this trade and are legitimate contenders. Veterans looking to chase a ring will strongly consider joining them for the stretch run of the season.
The biggest takeaway from this deal was that Leon Rose retained all of the team’s first-round draft picks. New York is going to be major players in the offseason should a star player look for a change of scenery, as Bogdanovic fills Fournier’s spot as the big contract to help match salary.
The Knicks have improved in the present, adding two solid veterans who have playoff experience. Their future outlook remains bright as well, as Rose added Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, Burks and Bogdanovic for Quickley, RJ Barrett, Fournier, Grimes, Arcidiacono and only three second-round picks.
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