When the Knicks traded Alec Burks to the Detroit Pistons, it was the right move for a team looking to reduce payroll and acquire Jalen Brunson. But now the situation has changed.
The Knicks are in a great financial position and are coming off a great season, but now they need space. Burks, who spent the entire season in Detroit, will likely want to play for a contender again.
Why not go back to the bright lights of New York? Entering a one-year contract, being traded to the Knicks was arguably the best thing to happen for role player Josh Hart, who will likely make over $50 million in free agency. Alec Burks wants to compete and get his money, and the Knicks want to distance the rink and compete in the Eastern Conference.