Knicks Trade Two Players To Pistons To Clear Up More Cap Space

The New York Knicks' desire for Jalen Brunson is no secret. And they further unveiled that desire after trading Nerlens Noel and Alec Burks to the Detroit Pistons, clearing $19 million more in salary as they go all-in on their pursuit of the free-agent point guard.

Via ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski:

The Knicks are trading center Nerlens Noel and guard Alec Burks to the Pistons, sources tell ESPN. The Knicks will unload $19M more in salary, clearing the way for cap space to try and sign free agent guard Jalen Brunson.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022

In addition, the Knicks also attached two second-round picks, including Detroit's own second-rounder in 2023, to incentivize the Pistons to agree to the salary dump.

This won't be a salary dump on the part of the Pistons, however, as they reportedly want Noel to be part of their core and have Burks serve as a veteran mentor for the team's young guards.

Meanwhile, New York has opened up about $30 million in cap space ahead of free agency as they attempt to pry away Brunson from the Dallas Mavericks. The Knicks hired Brunson's dad, Rick, a month ago, which started the rumblings of the lefty guard's move to New York.

Brunson had a breakout campaign in 2021-22, becoming a key piece in the Mavericks' run to the Western Conference Finals. In 18 playoff games, the 6-foot-1 guard averaged 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.

His improvement this past season, as well as his tremendous showing in the playoffs further raised Brunson's market value ahead of free agency. The Knicks seem to value him extremely high given the lengths they're going just to land him.