5 Knicks players most likely to be traded during 2022 NBA Draft
1: Alec Burks
Alec Burks is No. 1 on this list because while you could make an argument as to why all of the players 24 years and up on New York’s roster could be traded, he seems to be the most likely to go.
I've heard the Knicks have been making a legitimate effort to move Alec Burks with the hopes of taking back little-to-no salary. The news about his surgery for sure affects his value. If healthy, Burks is considered around a net-neutral contract. He makes $10M expiring next year.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) June 22, 2022
If he has played his final game with the Knicks, his time with the team won’t be looked back on with fondness, but that’s to no fault of his own. He had no business taking over the role of starting point guard. We’re looking at you, Thibodeau.
According to Stefan Bondy of New York Daily News, Burks underwent surgery on his left foot soon after the season ended on Apr. 10 and he’s expected to be available for training camp. His surgery was made known one day before the draft, which certainly affects his trade value.
To put it bluntly, New York doesn’t have a dire need for Burks moving forward, especially if the team adds a new guard to their roster during the offseason. And trading him might bring a sigh of relief to the majority of Knicks fans since Thibodeau likes to turn to Burks even when it isn’t necessary. In case this needs to be said again, here it is: He isn’t meant to be a starter.
If Burks isn’t traded on Thursday night or sometime in the coming months, it’ll be a surprise. He very well could end up being thrown in a trade to Detroit or Sacramento.
Will a combination of Burks, Noel, Reddish, Grimes, or Randle (along with draft picks) result in Jaden Ivey being one of New York’s newest residents? We’re about to find out.
