Deadline day: Burks traded to Knicks after reported Wolves interest

Did the Monte Morris trade take the Wolves out of the Burks market?

10:20 A.M. UPDATE: BURKS TRADED TO KNICKS

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Pistons have sent Alec Burks to the Knicks. 

The Detroit Pistons are finalizing a trade to send guard Alec Burks to the New York Knicks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/Hy4HPHGBrV

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2024

This is a breaking news update. Read the original story below. 

Is Alec Burks still on the Timberwolves' radar?

Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reported late Wednesday that the Knicks, 76ers and Timberwolves were bidding for Burks, who is hitting 39% of his 3s this season with Detroit and would give a contender a high-volume 3-point specialist off the bench. 

"It’s possible, though unclear, if the Timberwolves’ acquisition of Monte Morris from the Pistons on Wednesday altered their pursuit of Burks," Bondy reported. 

Minnesota acquired Morris from the Pistons on Wednesday in exchange for Shake Milton, Troy Brown Jr. and a 2030 second-round pick. Morris gives Minnesota a legitimate backup point guard with some scoring punch. 

Morris always takes great care of the ball, which should serve as a significant boost for a Wolves team that has struggled with turnovers. When Morris started 74 games for the Nuggets in 2021-22, no point guard that played more than 1,500 minutes had a lower turnover rate than Morris. 

The top 2 league leaders in assist to turnover ratio for each of the last six seasons are either from Minnesota or currently play for the Minnesota Timberwolves

2018-19
1. Tyus Jones
2. Monte Morris

2019-20
1. Tyus Jones
2. Monte Morris

2020-21
1. Tyus Jones
2. Monte Morris…

— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) February 8, 2024

Acquiring Burks, who is making about $10 million this season, at this point would almost surely require the Wolves giving up Kyle Anderson and his $9 million expiring contract. But Wolves insider Jon Krawczynski reported Tuesday that it's unlikely the Wolves move Anderson. 

The NBA trade deadline hits at 2 p.m. CT today and while Krawcyznski says the Wolves might not be done dealing, the more optimal next move might be via the buyout market. 

"They could look to add another player via trade or keep their powder dry for the buyout market that will open later this month," Krawczynski reported Wednesday. 

Teams can waive players – players usually on expensive contracts – via buyout as soon as the trade deadline arrives. That allows those players a chance to clear waivers and then start fresh, likely latching on with contenders at a cheap price. The only caveat is that players have to sign by March 1 to eligible to play in the playoffs. 

Oct 27, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Alec Burks (14) dribbles past Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (24) during the second half at Spectrum Center / Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports