Knicks’ Trade With Pistons Receives Some Criticism One Month Later

The New York Knicks' acquisition of multiple Detroit Pistons players doesn't grade as high as it did one month ago.

Last month, the Detroit Pistons made a handful of trades before the deadline went into play. The biggest deal the Pistons struck came with the New York Knicks.

At last, the Pistons moved two of their notable veteran prospects, who were better suited with a contender as Detroit continues to navigate through a rebuild.

Alec Burks reunited with the Knicks, while Bojan Bogdanovic joined the veteran guard in heading to the Big Apple.

At the time, the Knicks were praised for their efforts to boost their championship odds by taking on the Pistons’ two valuable veterans. Last month, Bleacher Report graded the Knicks’ side of the trade as an A-minus, touting it as one of the better deals at the deadline.

Looking back at the trade one month later, BR re-graded it lower.

“Dismal shooting and very little playmaking from Burks detracts from the original grade. His role has already started shrinking even as the Knicks remain short-handed. That's never a good sign.”

Before the Pistons acquired Burks ahead of the 2022-2023 season, the veteran wrapped up a run with the Knicks, where he averaged 12 points per game while shooting an efficient 40 percent from deep. 

With the Pistons this year, Burks put together a similar showing in 43 games, as he produced 13 points per game, while knocking down 40 percent of his threes.

Since re-joining the Knicks, Burks has averaged five fewer points, and regressed from three, as he’s averaging just 29 percent. Shooters are entitled to a slump, but Burks was already in midseason form when he joined the Knicks.

Bogdanovic’s role in New York seems to be the factor that saves the outlook of the trade at this time. Being a notable trade candidate for playoff-ready squads in need of a veteran role player, Bogdanovic looks as good as advertised while playing for the 37-27 Knicks.

As for the Pistons’ side of the deal, they keep the same grade of a B-plus. In the deal, Detroit landed multiple second-round picks, along with Quentin Grimes, Evan Fournier, Malachi Flynn, and the now-waived Ryan Arcidiacono. 

In Fournier, the Pistons landed a veteran who’s been around the league since 2012. He might not be in the team’s long-term plans, but a young rebuilding squad always needs a solid veteran or two to be a much-needed guide through growing pains.

Meanwhile, Quentin Grimes was one of the more notable names on the trade market this season, who looks forward to a fresh start in Detroit. When he arrived, Grimes was battling a knee injury. He appeared in a handful of games through his first month with the team, but the setback still lingers. Grimes hasn’t had a chance to hit his stride just yet, but the Pistons are hoping he’ll carve out a significant role for next season.