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3 Former Knicks that the team should consider trading for this offseason

By Zachary Bachar

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 28: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Washington Wizards gestures against the Boston Celtics during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 28, 2023 in Washington, DC. 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. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 28: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Washington Wizards gestures against the Boston Celtics during the second half at Capital One Arena on March 28, 2023 in Washington, DC. 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. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Alec Burks, Detroit Pistons. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) – New York Knicks
Alec Burks, Detroit Pistons. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) – New York Knicks /

2. Alec Burks

Alec Burks was with New York from 2020-22, playing a notable role on the fourth-seeded Knicks team in 2021. He shot over 40% from three in both of his years with the team, although he was traded to the Detroit Pistons last summer in order to open up the necessary cap space to sign Jalen Brunson.

Burks was an exceptional shooting guard off the bench, although he struggled when Thibodeau gave him minutes as lead point guard. He recorded a 54.4% true shooting percentage as a starter two seasons ago, compared to a 58.4% true shooting percentage off the bench.

Given the reasonable explanation for his production decline combined with his perfectly normal departure from the team, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Knicks attempt to bring him back in a trade.

Similar to McDermott, the Pistons are still rebuilding and have no real incentive to keep the soon-to-be 32-year-old on their roster other than to dangle him as trade bait. Burks continued to be productive despite the mediocre talent surrounding him, averaging 12.8 points and 2.2 assists per game on 44-41-81 shooting splits.

He’s already played with most of the current roster, so the familiarity should allow him to grow comfortable in his role right away. It isn’t hard to imagine him fitting in seamlessly on the bench alongside Immanuel Quickley, Josh Hart, Obi Toppin, and Isaiah Hartenstein.

With just one year and $10 million left on his current deal, the price of acquiring him wouldn’t deplete the Knicks’ assets either.

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