The New York Knicks have expanded their deal with the Detroit Pistons. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Knicks are acquiring Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks. The overall trade looks like this.
Knicks receive
Pistons receive
Full trade, per ESPN Sources:
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2024
Knicks: Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks
Pistons: Quentin Grimes, Malachi Flynn, Evan Fournier, Ryan Arcidiacono and two second-round picks.
By adding Burks and Bogdanovic, the Knicks have significantly improved their roster. Both players bring toughness and veteran experience. Bogdanovic is one of the more underrated scoring talents in the league. This season, he's averaging 20.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, shooting 46.8% from the field and 41.5% from 3-point range.
The Knicks have looked like potential contenders in the Eastern Conference since acquiring OG Anunoby. Now, with another two veteran players coming into the fold, there's a chance the team could be pushing for a conference finals appearance this season.
Tom Thibodeau has slowly been building his project with the Knicks. He's developed their young talent. He coached their stars. Now, the fruits of that hard work are starting to show. Burks will fill the ball-handling void left by Immanuel Quickley. Bogdanovic will fill a much-needed scoring void on the roster, which should ease the pressure on Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle.
New York is emerging as a trade deadline winner. They've filled gaps, improved their rotation, and retained all of their core players. However, in order for the new additions to be viewed as legitimate wins for the franchise, the Knicks will need to sort out their contract situations. Burks is on an expiring deal. Bogdanovic has one season partially guaranteed remaining on his contract.
Those problems are for another day, though. Right now, the Knicks look like a serious threat in the Eastern Conference. And they still have scope to continue improving internally. Things are looking up in the Big Apple.
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