Heading into the 2024 NBA trade deadline, the New York Knicks knew they had some needs to address. Even before the injury bug hit the team, testing their depth in the frontcourt, the team needed some reinforcements at the forward spots.
That need only grew with starters OG Anunoby and Julius Randle both dealing with multi-week injuries. The biggest need in many people’s opinion was finding another shot-creator to replace what Immanuel Quickley had been giving the team off the bench.
In one fell swoop, the Knicks were able to accomplish both things. New York acquired veterans Alec Burks and Bojan Bogdanovic from the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Evan Fournier, Quentin Grimes, Malachi Flynn, Ryan Arcidiacono and two future second-round picks.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Bojan Bogdanovic, Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, Alec Burks, New York Knicks Updates
It is a deal that has been praised throughout NBA circles. Analysts and insiders alike both really like the deal from New York’s perspective, as they added two legitimate starting-caliber rotation players to the mix.
The Knicks now have one of the deepest, most talented rosters in the NBA. Guys like Miles McBride and Jericho Sims, who have proven capable of providing productive minutes, will be end-of-the-bench emergency players.
They are in a great spot, and even before the trade with the Pistons, people within the league thought highly of them. One rival general manager in the NBA already thought the Knicks were the second-best team in the NBA prior to landing Burks and Bogdanovic.
“I think the Knicks are the second-best team in the East,” a rival NBA general manager told HoopsHype. “I don’t want to see the Celtics and the Knicks in the playoffs. Then Milwaukee and Philly. It’s amazing watching Jalen Brunson. That motherf***** just finds a way. I’d take him over Tyrese Haliburton. I’d consider taking him over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He’s got the perfect coach for him in Tom Thibodeau. Anunoby has been great for them. Donte DiVincenzo is shooting like Steph Curry all of a sudden too.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Bojan Bogdanovic, Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, Alec Burks, New York Knicks Updates
That is some high praise for the Knicks, who have slowly but surely improved their roster over the last few years. They have improved essentially every season under Tom Thibodeau as head coach and it is culminating in the team turning into a legitimate contender this season.
The pieces on the roster fit together perfectly and Jalen Brunson has ascended into star territory with his performance. Having a second All-Star and All-NBA producer in Julius Randle as his running mate, combined with a talented supporting cast; the Knicks have all the ingredients of a champion.
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