Facing unrestricted free agency at the end of the 2018/19 season, Trey Burke would like to remain with the Knicks, but knows he might not have that option depending on which direction the club goes at point guard. Burke acknowledged as much during a conversation with Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News.
“I know how the business goes and if that is not an option, you’re always auditioning for other teams. But personally, on record, I want to be here in New York City,” Burke said. “You just never know, man. You never know in this league. Try not to put all your eggs in one basket because it is a business at the end of the day.”
Burke, who is currently sidelined with a knee sprain, has started five games for the Knicks this season, but has recently settled into a backup role behind Emmanuel Mudiay. Even coming off the bench, the former Michigan standout has been impressive, averaging 25.8 points per game in 28.1 MPG during one four-game stretch a couple weeks ago.
While he’s a few years older than fellow point guards Mudiay and Frank Ntilikina, Burke tells Bondy that he doesn’t feel like he has a ton of mileage on his body at age 26, pointing to a couple seasons where he “didn’t play much.” Burke, who says he’s making an effort to become a better defender this year, also acknowledges that he’s trying to “stay in the moment” rather than looking ahead to his free agency. However, he’s curious about what next summer will bring.
“Obviously, it is on my mind,” Burke said. “It’s an exciting time, but at the same time I’m just trying to first of all just get back on the court and second of all be the best version I can be to help this team win. I think when you win and when you are personally excelling in your role, I think that’s a plus. But I think when you win, teams look at that more than anything.”
Over at The New York Post, Marc Berman observes that Mudiay is making a case to receive consideration as part of the Knicks’ long-term plans at point guard, given his recent play. However, as both Bondy and Berman note, Mudiay would have a sizable cap hold ($12.88MM) as a restricted free agent at season’s end, which could complicate the Knicks’ offseason salary cap situation. Burke’s minimum-salary cap hold would be much easier to keep on the books during free agency if New York wants to go after Kevin Durant or other big-name targets.
Of course, the Knicks’ long-term decision at point guard won’t just come down to Mudiay vs. Burke. Ntilikina remains under team control for multiple seasons, and it’s possible the club will use its cap flexibility to fortify the position with an established veteran, via trade or free agency. Berman writes that some people around the NBA believe the Knicks are stocking up assets to make a play for Wizards guard John Wall, though Wall doesn’t seem like an ideal target for the franchise, given his unfavorable contract.
The knicks? John wall?
Nah thats a lot of money theyd be wasting on one player, they should just save in hopes for durant/irving
I for once I really like Wall, more than Irving, so I would rather they get him, not much difference with money, but Wall is a better passer, floor general & way better defender.
If there is a team willing to take on Walls contract, New York would be on that list.
Burke is a guy that I’m surprised no team has inquired about. Despite being a flop as a top 10 pick before last season, he seems, at least to me, to have turned enough of a corner to at this point be pretty low risk if viewed primarily as a backup. His problem with the Knicks is it’s tough for a team to invest in a backup PG before they have a starter.
After years of suffering as a Knicks fan, things are finally starting to look up, so yes, this is about the time they do something stupid like trade young assets for Wall.
If I was the knicks only way I trade for wall if I can’t get a Pg
To consider Wall, first I’d have to get Washington to agree that they aren’t getting assets. I might consider Kantar/Courtney Lee for Wall if I really thought I had no shot at Durant, Leonard, Tobias or Kemba Walker.