Knicks Trade Rumors: Five potential destinations for Trey Burke
With the New York Knicks exploring trade options for Trey Burke, which destinations make sense ahead of the deadline?
Per Marc Berman of the New York Post, the New York Knicks have started to explore trades on Trey Burke. It’s amid a handful of other players on the block, including Tim Hardaway Jr. and Courtney Lee.
Burke signed with the Knicks in January 2018, after a stint in the G League. He received a two-year deal with a partial guarantee for the second season.
Head coach David Fizdale let Burke start at point guard, but it lasted five games, due to the youth movement that’s captivated the 2018-19 campaign. Otherwise, it’s been a back and forth situation between reserve role and not playing.
If the Knicks make a trade, which teams are logical destinations for Burke? Let’s take a look:
5. Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards rostered Burke in the 2016-17 season, backing up John Wall in 57 appearances but limited playing time. It sunk his value to an all-time low, before signing with the New York Knicks in 2017-18.
Wall underwent heel surgery in December, taking him out for the rest of 2018-19. It seemed to plummet the Wizards, and they still sit outside the playoff picture, but team owner Ted Leonsis said his franchise “will never, ever tank,” per NBC Sports Washington.
Trevor Ariza was already added in a December deal for Austin Rivers and Kelly Oubre Jr., hinting at this stance. If they want to stay competitive, could adding Burke become an option?
Tomas Satoransky has stepped in for Wall, averaging over 6.0 assists per game as a starter. However, there’s room for depth behind him, and at Burke’s inexpensive, $1.79 million cost.
Satoransky doesn’t relinquish his starting spot in this scenario, as Burke acts as his backup in a limited role. Given the Czech guard’s 6-foot-7 size, he can slide over for the Michigan product, allowing an extra scoring punch in the backcourt.
If the Wizards sell, though, it negates the need for Burke.