Report: Knicks trade Noel, Burks to Pistons, opening space for Brunson
The New York Knicks are shipping center Nerlens Noel and guard Alec Burks to the Detroit Pistons, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
With the move, New York will clear $19 million in salary off its books, opening up further cap space to make a run at Jalen Brunson in free agency, Wojnarowski adds.
The Pistons will also reportedly receive two future second-round picks. One pick was originally Detroit's own 2023 second-rounder, while the other is a 2024 second-round selection via the Miami Heat. New York is also sending $6 million in cash.
The Knicks are reportedly heavy favorites to sign Brunson once free agency begins Thursday at 6 p.m. ET. They're expected to table a four-year contract worth over $100 million for the 25-year-old guard.
Burks and Noel are set to earn $10 million and $9.2 million, respectively, in 2022-23. The former started 44 of 81 games last season, averaging 11.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, three assists, and one steal while shooting 40.4% from deep on 4.8 attempts per game. Noel, meanwhile, struggled to crack Tom Thibodeau's rotation in his second season with the club, playing just 25 games.