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New York Knicks: Returning players on expiring contracts in 2018-19

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 14: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks reacts in the second half against the Washington Wizards during their game at Madison Square Garden on February 14, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 14: Enes Kanter #00 of the New York Knicks reacts in the second half against the Washington Wizards during their game at Madison Square Garden on February 14, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 25: Trey Burke #23 of the New York Knicks shoots a free throw during the game against the Washington Wizards on March 25, 2018 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 25: Trey Burke #23 of the New York Knicks shoots a free throw during the game against the Washington Wizards on March 25, 2018 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Trey Burke ($1.8 million)

Just five years ago, Trey Burke was the No. 9 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft and seen as a star player in college basketball. Three lackluster seasons with the Utah Jazz and a bench role with the Washington Wizards sent his career downwards, creating future uncertainty.

Then came the opportunity with the New York Knicks in 2017-18, with a 26-game stint in the G League, where Burke averaged a gaudy 26.6 points, 5.3 assists and 2 steals per game 48.9 percent shooting and 41.9 percent from three-point range.

With enough seen from Burke’s Westchester run and the struggle of New York’s incumbent point guards, they gave him a two-year deal that goes through 2018-19. The second season had a partial guarantee of $100 before July 10, 2018, which the Knicks picked up to place $1.8 million on the salary cap.

To return to the Big Apple, Burke needed to flash in a half-season run, something he managed to do with 12.8 points and 4.7 assists on 50.3 percent shooting and 36.2 percent three-point shooting.

If Burke improves on those numbers or even keeps them afloat, the Knicks might have a bargain player. It puts them in position to pay more in 2019, but if he moves forward in development, this could be someone that stays for 2019-20.