The New York Knicks have completed their second trade with the Detroit Pistons, paving the way for the signing of Jalen Brunson into their cap space.
This means a sign and trade scenario with the Dallas Mavericks is now off the table. Brunson’s signing with the Knicks is expected to be announced anytime soon.
In dumping Alec Burks and Nerlens Noel’s combined $19 million guaranteed salaries for next season, the Knicks incentivized the Pistons by sending back Detroit’s 2023 second-round draft pick, along with either their own 2026 second-round draft pick or Minnesota’s, depending on draft position plus $6 million cash considerations. But on top of clearing some cap space, the Knicks also acquired a Pistons’ top-55 protected 2025 second-round pick, per Fred Katz of The Athletic, and the draft rights of 28-year-old Serbian point guard Nikola Radicevic.
The Knicks can now officially sign Brunson outright after they opened up more than $30 million in cap space by trading away Kemba Walker, Burks, and Noel to the Pistons, then waiving Taj Gibson, who will sign with the Washington Wizards.
The departure of the four veterans made the Knicks’ roster much younger, leaving former MVP Derrick Rose as the only player above 30 in the lineup. Led by Brunson, New York will feature 10 players on their roster under 26.
The Knicks will have the $5.4 million midlevel room exception and veterans’ minimum to fill out their last two spots.
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