Dec 26, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Alec Burks (14), forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44), and center Jalen Duren (0) look on during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
NBA: Brooklyn Nets at Detroit Pistons
NEW YORK — The NBA trade deadline is one of the most exciting spectacles of the year.
And the New York Knicks have joined the festivities.
The Knicks have acquired Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks from the Detroit Piston in exchange for Evan Fournier, Quentin Grimes, Malachi Flynn, Ryan Arcidiacono and two second round picks, sources told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
On paper, it’s great deal for New York. The Knicks are currently dealing with injuries to Julius Randle, OG Anunoby and Mitchell Robinson. Theoretically, adding two veterans who can step into the rotation immediately seem sensible.
Bogdanovic, 34, who is averaging 20.2 points per game will immediately step in as the team’s starting power forward while Randle is out and will help take pressure Jalen Brunson, who has enjoyed a career season. As for Burks, he provides the Knicks with some scoring and three-point shooting off the bench, but being the Knicks are a guard-heavy team, don’t expect big minutes or production.
The cherry on the top? The Knicks didn’t give up their future. Grimes is a talented young guard who fits well with Detroit’s timeline, but Fournier, Arcidiacono and Flynn all could be moved or released.
Broken down in simpler terms, the Knicks did a 2-for-1 swap. Once the deal is official, the New York will have two open roster spots and will be about $2.5MM below the luxury tax threshold.
According to the New York Post, the Knicks took a stance at holding tightly to their future first-round picks but still are in the market for a superstar trade.
For now? Stay tuned.
