The Knicks have provided a boost to their scoring depth and long-range game, acquiring forward Bojan Bogdanovic and guard Alec Burks from the Detroit Pistons for Quentin Grimes, Malachi Flynn, Evan Fournier, Ryan Arcidiacono, and two second-round picks on Thursday just hours before the NBA trade deadline, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Bogdanovic, who is currently nursing a calf injury, provides a sizable three-point threat to bolster the Knicks’ frontcourt. The 34-year-old is averaging 20.2 points this season while shooting 41.5% from beyond the arc.
If his absence is a short one, he could immediately fill in alongside OG Anunoby — who is also day-to-day with elbow inflammation — while Julius Randle recovers from a dislocated shoulder. It’s an important acquisition for Leon Rose, who ensures the Knicks get another legitimate scoring boost in Randle’s absence to support Jalen Brunson on a consistent basis.
Granted that support is projected to come by committee as the likes of Donte DiVincenzo have been a revelation in recent games.
Upon Randle’s return, Bogdanovic is projected to be a key bench piece who can play either the 3 or the 4, meaning that minutes should still be aplenty for the shooter.
Also coming from Detroit is Alec Burks, who reunites with a Knicks team he spent two years with from 2020-2022. The 32-year-old guard provides another steady presence from deep, shooting 40.9% from three over the last four seasons.
He’ll work into a rotation with DiVincenzo to bolster the shooting-guard role.
Given Bogdanovic’s scoring ability, the Knicks did well not to part ways with a first-round draft pick. However, they were reportedly hesitant on giving up Grimes, who has taken steps toward developing into a valuable contributor off the bench in New York.
Getting Fournier’s contract off the books — the veteran guard who has not played for Thibodeau this year after falling out of the rotation was owed over $18 million this season with a player option for next year.
