Knicks and Pistons Make Multi-Player Trade, What Does This Mean for the Knicks?

Mere hours before the trade deadline at 3 pm on February 8th, the New York Knicks sent Quentin Grimes, Evan Fournier, Malachi Flynn, Ryan Arcidianoco, and two second-round picks to the Detroit Pistons. In return, the Knicks received Alec Burks and Bojan Bogdanovic. Bogdanovic, who has been a bright spot on a historically bad Pistons team, is averaging just over 20 points a game while shooting 41.5% from three on 7.4 attempts a game. They also received veteran and solid role player, Alec Burks, who is averaging 12.6 points per game. This trade brings enforcement for star Jalen Brunson.

The only real loss of value in this trade for the Knicks was Grimes, who is 23 years old and was giving the Knicks quality minutes in both the starting lineup and off the bench. What does this deal do for the Knicks going forward? New York now has, without a doubt, improved after this trade. They have surrounded Brunson with good shooters in Bogdanovic and Burks. Their other newly acquired player, OG Anunoby, has played very well since being traded to the Knicks in December. A player they have seen improvement is Isaiah Hartenstein. Hartenstein, who had to take over the starting center role after Mitchell Robinson had season-ending surgery, has done a nice job. Julius Randle, of course, is playing at an elite level, averaging 24 points and 9 rebounds a game.

The Knicks are starting to look like the Knicks of old, sitting at 33-18 and fourth in the Eastern Conference. New York is going to be a very scary team coming out of the Eastern Conference, with a well-rounded starting lineup and a good bench. Their front office has done a very nice job at surrounding this team’s stars with shooters and role players. The Knicks actually look like they are finally ready to pursue a championship.