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New York Knicks: Outlook for every player in Kristaps Porzingis trade

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 30: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the New York Knicks on January 30, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 30: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the New York Knicks on January 30, 2019 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks Trey Burke (Photo by Brian Munoz/Getty Images) /

Trey Burke

Trey Burke was one of the last reported add-ons to this blockbuster deal. After a rollercoaster ride of the past three months with the New York Knicks, it was maybe best for his time to end.

Fizdale used Burke as New York’s starter for the first five games of 2018-19, before ditching that for the youth movement. That began a back-and-forth ride between a reserve role and not playing, which was often the case in December and early January.

Injuries to Frank Ntilikina and Emmanuel Mudiay recently opened playing time for Burke, who actually came full circle by starting the past two games, the last of which against the Mavericks. He averaged 12.5 points on 44.4 percent shooting in this stretch.

In Dallas, Burke becomes the backup point guard. JJ Barea was lost to a season-ending injury earlier this season, necessitating a second-stringer behind Luka Doncic.

The Michigan product is not an elite backup, but offers enough shooting to be productive, despite inconsistencies from the field. It’s an interesting alternative to Doncic, given their differences in height and playing style.

Burke’s opening for playing time also comes with Dennis Smith Jr.’s departure, so he should stick in this rotation consistently, unlike Fizdale’s.

Burke was grateful for his time with the Knicks, who gave him a fresh opportunity in the winter of 2017. It rejuvenated his career, and he’ll look to continue it elsewhere.

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