The Knicks may use the trade market to open a roster spot for G League guard Trey Burke, writes Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders. New York is reportedly in “serious talks” about signing Burke, who has been with the organization’s Westchester affiliate since being waived during the preseason.
The Knicks have a full roster and there is speculation that veteran point guard Ramon Sessions could be waived to clear the way for Burke. However, Kyler says the Knicks have received interest in backup centers Kyle O’Quinn and Willy Hernangomez. They may be able to get a draft pick in return for O’Quinn, but not many teams can take on his $4.08MM salary without sending another player back to New York, which wouldn’t help with signing Burke.
Burke has been outstanding in the G League and has attracted interest from other organizations. According to Kyler, Burke’s representatives have told the Knicks he will consider other offers if they don’t sign him soon. So while there’s not a definite deadline to open a roster spot, there is an incentive to get something done.
Kyler offers info on several other potential deals as the trade deadline draws nearer:
- The Jazz would like to get something in return for the expiring contracts of Derrick Favors [$12MM] and Joe Johnson [$10.5MM]. Utah is among the teams linked to Chicago’s Nikola Mirotic, who becomes eligible for a deal Monday. Kyler says the Bulls are willing to make a deal and would be happy to get draft picks and expiring deals in return.
- The Magic could be active at the deadline, as sources say they have received inquiries on nearly all their players. They would like to deal guard Evan Fournier, but haven’t received any offers they consider attractive. Despite being a non-contender at 12-28, Orlando isn’t overly interested in draft picks because it already has a lot of young talent and its own pick is likely to fall in the top five. It would take a proven All-Star to land Aaron Gordon, according to Kyler, and the Magic don’t expect to receive that kind of offer. They are also resigned that no one is going to take Bismack Biyombo with two years and $34MM left on his contract beyond this season.
- The Bucks continue to need frontcourt help and might give up Jabari Parker in the right deal. However, with Mirza Teletovic sidelined with blood clots in his lungs, the organization would have difficulty matching a big salary. Sources believe Malcolm Brogdon or Thon Maker would have to be included in any significant trade.
- The Lakers may have to deal Larry Nance Jr. as an incentive to get teams to take on other salaries. They would love to get rid of Luol Deng‘s contract, but are finding no options without giving up a hefty package of first-rounders.
lmfao send jabari to the bulls for nico mannnnn
I was thinking the same thing, UNLESS they can indeed get Utah’s unprotected 1st rounder for Niko.
bismack has 2 year 34 million remaining.
last year is player option which is getting exercised more than likely.
Magic Trade anybody other than Gordon and Payton.
If Lakers could get some team to take deng by attaching nance and Zubac, they would do it but teams have no incentive to help them and know what their plans are. Screw Jim buss for making kupcheck sign them to big deals and screw magic and pelinka for trading D-Lo and let there plans out. The whole KCP thing was terrible too
Nobody cares about the Lakers’ plans. Taking on Deng’s contract ain’t happening without substantial value coming back (not backups on a bad team) or an equally bad contract (although what’s the point in that case). Because the Lakers don’t have a certain high pick to trade (no pick until 2019), it would likely cost at least 2 first rounders at this point (not worth it until they have an actual elite FA with a pen in his hand and need the space).