Knicks trade deadline notes, including competition for Alec Burks and Bruce Brown
A few notes as we get closer to the 3 p.m. trade deadline:
COMPETITION FOR BURKS
The Knicks have competition for Detroit’s Alec Burks. As of late Wednesday, the Philadelphia 76ers were among the teams with interest in Burks. The Knicks have been engaged with Detroit on a potential Burks deal. As of earlier this week, some high-level members of the Pistons wanted to keep Burks and try to win games while others were in favor of moving him. Philadelphia talked to Detroit about a package involving second-round draft compensation prior to Thursday.
Keep an eye on Bojan Bogdanovic and Detroit. If the Pistons move him, it’s logical to assume that they are more open to moving other veterans like Burks. The Sixers had been in touch on Bogdanovic earlier this week, and Detroit sought Tobias Harris in talks. Dating back to last offseason, Philadelphia had been hesitant to move Harris. The Sixers, as other outlets have noted, are in the market for shooting.
UTAH IN ON BROWN
If the Knicks can’t get Burks, they have other options. They’d been in touch with Toronto on a trade for Bruce Brown prior to Thursday. The Jazz are another suitor for Brown, league sources confirmed. Toronto has interest in Kelly Olynyk, those sources say. Given that dynamic, it’s reasonable to think that New York would have to make a strong offer to Toronto to beat out Utah for Brown.
The Jazz had also had talks with Charlotte on PJ Washington, as ESPN noted. League sources say John Collins was part of those discussions. The Knicks have also seen Utah’s Jordan Clarkson as a target entering Thursday.
New York had checked in with Minnesota on Shake Milton before the Timberwolves reportedly sent him to Detroit in a Monte Morris trade. New York had also touched base with Golden State. As of late Wednesday, there was no traction on any deal with Golden State or Atlanta.
BUYOUT MARKET
Charlotte is a team to keep an eye on in the buyout market. They had been asking at least one team for a first-round pick in exchange for Gordon Hayward. If they don’t get that, it’s possible that Hayward is bought out, same goes for Kyle Lowry.
Tom Thibodeau has long been a fan of both players. The Knicks would have their bi-annual exception to use in the buyout market, which gives them a financial advantage over other suitors.
NETS AND O’NEALE
Sacramento is among the teams to engage with the Nets on Royce O’Neale this week. Brooklyn has fielded offers from teams that included multiple second-round picks on O’Neale, sources say. Clearly, the Nets are holding out for a better offer as we get closer to 3 p.m.
