Report: Knicks expected to re-sign both Nerlens Noel and Alec Burks as free agency looms

alec burks, knicks
Alec Burks (John Minchillo/AP)

The New York Knicks have their sights on former Boston Celtics shooting guard/small forward Evan Fournier. Having spent time with Orlando and Boston last season, Fournier averaged 17.1 points, potentially bringing a solid ball-handler to New York for the next few seasons. General manager Scott Perry has already traded for Fournier once in the past, so acquiring him would offer a familiar face.

However, the Knicks are also intrigued by some of their own, Including Center Nerlens Noel and versatile offensive weapon, Alec Burks.

According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, the Knicks are expected to re-sign both Nerlens Noel and Alec Burks.

How did Noel and Burks impact the Knicks last season?

Nerlens Noel: Contract worth about $10 million per year

Noel is coming off a resurgent season, signing a one-year, $5 million deal with New York last year. At 27-years-old, Noel set a career-high with 2.2 blocks per game. While he doesn’t offer much on offense, he played in 64 games, supplementing the loss of Mitchell Robinson valiantly. He shot 61% from the field on 3.5 attempts per game, and with Robinson set to earn $1.8 million, overspending on Noel, a reliable defender, is a solid move.

Ultimately, the Knicks know exactly what they’re getting a Noel, a great shot blocker who protects the rim extremely well.

Alec Burks: Three years, $30 million

Burks was one of the more clutch players on the team last year, so retaining was likely a priority. The former first-round pick is expected to earn $10 million per season, averaging 12.7 points, 2.2 assists, and shooting 42% from the field in 2020. He also connected on 41.5% of his shots from range, a career-high, attempting 5.0 3’s per game.

It seems the Knicks are prioritizing continuity and believe their roster last season simply needed a few additions. Acquiring Fournier and having the money left over to sign a point guard would be an ideal situation, as it seems the team is looking to act quickly.