Knicks acquire Bojan Bogdanovic, Alec Burks from Pistons

Detroit Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) drives on Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook (0) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Detroit, Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

The Knicks have provided a boost to their scoring depth and long-range game, acquiring forward Bojan Bogdanovic and guard Alec Burks from the Detroit Pistons for Quentin Grimes, Malachi Flynn, Evan Fournier, Ryan Arcidiacono, and two second-round picks on Thursday just hours before the NBA trade deadline, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Bogdanovic, who is currently nursing a calf injury, provides a sizable three-point threat to bolster the Knicks’ frontcourt. The 34-year-old is averaging 20.2 points this season while shooting 41.5% from beyond the arc.

If his absence is a short one, he could immediately fill in alongside OG Anunoby — who is also day-to-day with elbow inflammation — while Julius Randle recovers from a dislocated shoulder. It’s an important acquisition for Leon Rose, who ensures the Knicks get another legitimate scoring boost in Randle’s absence to support Jalen Brunson on a consistent basis.

Granted that support is projected to come by committee as the likes of Donte DiVincenzo have been a revelation in recent games.

Upon Randle’s return, Bogdanovic is projected to be a key bench piece who can play either the 3 or the 4, meaning that minutes should still be aplenty for the shooter.

Also coming from Detroit is Alec Burks, who reunites with a Knicks team he spent two years with from 2020-2022. The 32-year-old guard provides another steady presence from deep, shooting 40.9% from three over the last four seasons. 

He’ll work into a rotation with DiVincenzo to bolster the shooting-guard role. 

Given Bogdanovic’s scoring ability, the Knicks did well not to part ways with a first-round draft pick. However, they were reportedly hesitant on giving up Grimes, who has taken steps toward developing into a valuable contributor off…