1 player Knicks must trade in 2024 NBA offseason

The Knicks acquired Bojan Bogdanovic in a trade deadline deal with the Detroit Pistons. Alec Burks also came over in the trade.

Here is the deal: Bogdanovic did not play very well in New York. He was averaging 20.2 points per game on 46.8/41.5/77.9 shooting splits in Detroit, but those numbers dipped considerably with the Knicks. In 29 games with New York this past season, Bogdanovic logged 10.4 points per game while shooting 43 percent from the floor, 37 percent from three-point range and 80 percent from the free-throw line. He also got injured early in the playoffs and missed the entire series against the Pacers.

Bogdanovic certainly had some moments with the Knicks, but for the most part, his production was very limited. He is slated to earn a tick over $19 million next season in what is set to be the final year of his deal. That expiring deal could make him a relatively attractive asset to other clubs.

But why would New York move Bogdanovic?

Well, first of all, Thibodeau likes guys who can defend. Bogdanovic is a smart defender, but he is simply not athletically capable to defend some of the better wings in the league. Can you hide him? Yes, but you will see his warts if he plays big minutes.

Second, there may be a logjam for the Knicks on the wing next season depending on what they do in free agency.

Anunoby and Burks are both set to become free agents this summer, but you have to think New York will do everything in its power to retain Anunoby. Burks struggled mightily during the regular season, but he produced well late in the playoffs and may have earned himself a roster spot next season, especially if he comes cheap.

Hart and DiVincenzo are staples, and the Knicks then have Miles McBride, who has certainly earned himself some more playing time heading into next season.

As you can see, it may be difficult for Bogdanovic to earn consistent burn during the 2024-25 campaign, particularly with the emergence of McBride. It’s not like Bogdanovic does a lot other than score, either. He isn’t much of a playmaker, he isn’t a great rebounder and we already discussed his defensive limitations.

It may be wise for New York to move the 35-year-old to make the rotation a bit clearer on the wings. Again, he is entering the last year of his contract, so other teams in need of a wing scorer may be open to swinging a deal for him. He was putting up some good numbers with the Pistons, after all.