The Knicks and Pistons have officially completed their part of the draft-night trade involving Kemba Walker and No. 13 overall pick Jalen Duren, according to a press release from the Knicks.
Although the deal was initially reported as a three-team trade involving New York, Detroit, and Charlotte, the Hornets and Knicks finalized their half of the swap on draft night — the Hornets acquired a protected 2023 first-round pick and four future second-rounders in exchange for the rights to Duren.
The trade finalized today sends Walker and the rights to Duren to the Pistons in exchange for the Bucks’ 2025 first-round pick (top-four protected), which Detroit officially acquired earlier today from Portland in its Jerami Grant deal.
The move is the first step toward ensuring that the Knicks have the cap room necessary to completed their signings of Jalen Brunson and Isaiah Hartenstein. Detroit and New York also agreed to a separate trade that will send Alec Burks and Nerlens Noel to the Pistons, creating additional space for the Knicks.
While Walker is on the Pistons’ roster for the time being, he’s expected to hit the waiver wire sometime soon. A report last Thursday indicated that the two sides were finalizing a buyout agreement.
UPDATE ……. two, 2 FA signings.
Starting PG – Jalen Brunson
Backup C – Isaiah Hartenstein
So far so good. More to come. Stay tuned in.
Hartenstein was actually one of the best low post defenders last season, and should give the Knicks some excellent backup C minutes!!
Also, love the Brunson signing, one of the worst kept secrets most saw coming before last season was even over…
With these two additions alone the Knicks are certainly an improved team. They could certainly use some more shooting from deep, but pretty much every team could say the same thing…
Hartenstien is a really good passer to, under rated young energetic big. He’s definitely a Thib’s guy.