The New York Knicks have traded Nerlens Noel and Alec Burks to the Detroit Pistons, the team announced on July 11. Per The Associated Press, the deal frees up nearly $20 million more for free agency.
Having already sent Kemba Walker to the Pistons on Draft night, the Knicks shed nearly $30 million in salary for next season in the two separate deals.
Pistons receive:
• Nerlens Noel
• Alec Burks
• 2023 second-round pick
• 2026 second-round pick (via Minnesota or New York)
• Cash considerations
Knicks receive:
• Nikola Radicevic
• 2025 second-round pick (protected)
Burks, who replaced Walker in the starting lineup last season, is due to make $10 million next season. Noel, who battled injuries throughout the season, and Walker are both slated to earn slightly above $9 million.
Big man Nerlens Noel should give Detroit additional heft in the middle for 2022-23.
The Knicks reportedly agreed to a four-year deal with Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson early in the offseason. Starting swingman RJ Barrett is also eligible for a contract extension.
New York missed the playoffs after going 41-31 and finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference a season earlier.
The Pistons will hope Burks and Noel can provide veteran help to the young core they have assembled. Burks had career highs of 81 games and 44 starts last season, averaging 11.7 points. Noel was limited to 25 games, but the 6-foot-11 center averaged a career-best 2.2 blocks in 2020-21.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
