According to a source with knowledge of the situation, the New York Knicks are trading Nerlens Noel and Alec Burks to the Detroit Pistons. This will free up almost $20 million more for free agency. The Knicks have cut roughly $30 million in salary for the upcoming season ahead of Thursday night’s start of free agency, having already agreed to transfer Kemba Walker to the Pistons on draught night.

Due to the fact that the transfer would not be finalized until Tuesday, the individual spoke to The Associated Press under the condition of anonymity. ESPN was the first to report that the Knicks would also give the Pistons cash, along with two second-round picks.

Salary Problems for Knicks

Burks, who took Walker’s place in the starting lineup last year, will earn $10 million next season. Both Walker and Noel, who dealt with ailments the whole season, are expected to make just over $9 million.

Concerns for Mavericks?

The Dallas Mavericks are aware that the Knicks have been considering guard Jalen Brunson, so they will take that shopping. RJ Barrett, the starting swingman, is also up for a contract extension. After going 41-31 and placing fourth in the Eastern Conference the previous season, New York was unable to make the playoffs. Since then, the Knicks have been setting themselves up for the Free agency. Last week, they also traded their first-round pick in lieu of accepting more guaranteed money.

Pistons are hopeful about Burks and Noel Leadership Qualities

The Pistons will be hoping that Burks and Noel can offer seasoned assistance to the youthful nucleus they have put together. Burks averaged 11.7 points per game while playing in a career-high 81 games and 44 starts last year. Despite only playing in 25 games, 6-foot-11 center Noel averaged 2.2 blocks per game in 2020–21, a career-high.