Mon, Jul 11, 2022 at 10:10pm

PISTONS BRING IN BURKS AND NOEL

The Detroit Pistons acquired guard/forward Alec Burks, center Nerlens Noel, a second-round draft pick in 2023, a conditional second-round draft pick in 2026 and cash from the New York Knicks for a protected second-round draft pick in 2025 and guard Nikola Radicevic.

What does it give the Detroit Pistons
For the Pistons, adding Burks and Noel brings in more veterans on a squad that could be among the youngest in the NBA in 2022-23. Burks could find himself as part of the rotation as a wing option off the bench, while Noel joins a crowded group of center options. Neither player is guaranteed to stick with Detroit, as the two second-round picks and the reported $6 million cash being sent by New York are the keys to this deal from a Pistons perspective.

What does it give the New York Knicks
The Knicks get little (directly) from this trade, but the impact for New York is huge. By sheding the contracts of Burks and Noel, the Knicks now have the flexibility to sign a free agent point guard (which was their off-season priority). They are expected to bring in Dallas Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson to run their offense. Immanuel Quickley will likely serve as Brunson's backup at the point, with Evan Fournier and RJ Barrett starting on the wings.

Fantasy impact
Neither Burks nor Noel are great fantasy options as Pistons in 2022-23, since their roles would likely be as bench options to provide veteran experience. Pass on both players. Radicevic is expected to remain in Europe for the foreseeable future.