The Pistons become the privileged partners of the Knicks so that the latter offer themselves financial margin. After having transferred Kemba Walker, the New Yorkers have also just transferred Nerlens Noel et Alec Burks to Detroit. ESPN, source of informationdoes not say more about the consideration obtained by the Knicks, if not the fact of releasing another 19 million dollars in salary.
A sum that must be invested in the one that seems to be the top priority of the New York offseason, Jalen Brunson. The Knicks, who included two future second-round draft picks and $6 million (!) to win over the Pistons, would now have about $30 million of room to make a massive four-year offer to the back of the Mavs.
ESPN considers that such operations clearly reflect the Knicks’ confidence in their ability to reach an agreement with the revelation of the last playoffs in the wake of the opening of “free agency”. But the Mavs, who have also made it their priority, have not said their last words. The Texans are reportedly willing to offer him a five-year deal — which only Dallas can offer him — comparable to the four-year, $85 million deal Fred VanVleet signed with the Raptors in 2020.
Nerlens Noel’s departure from the Knicks comes hours after there was talk of interest from the Clippers. His arrival in Michigan is likely to put an end to rumors surrounding the recruitment of Deandre Ayton. The pivot, who knows GM Troy Weaver well from his time at OKC, should be used by the Pistons. Ditto for Alec Burks who, after two rather productive seasons in New York, should play a role of mentor within this young team.
