So far, the trade between the Knicks and the Pistons hasn’t benefited either team as expected. When the Pistons visit the Garden for Monday’s game, it serves as a reminder of the trade intended to bolster the Knicks’ bench offense for the playoffs and aid the Pistons in their rebuilding efforts by acquiring a promising 3-and-D wing.
However, it’s premature to make a final judgment, but early indications are not promising. Alec Burks and Bojan Bogdanovic, acquired by the Knicks, have failed to impress in their designated roles. Burks, shooting only 32 percent since joining the Knicks, has struggled with turnovers and a poor net rating. Bogdanovic has been inefficient on both ends of the court, seeing limited playing time in recent games.
Despite injuries to key players like OG Anunoby and Julius Randle, Burks and Bogdanovic failed to capitalize on the opportunity for increased minutes, with Josh Hart and Miles McBride seeing more significant playing time.
For the Pistons, Quentin Grimes has been sidelined with a knee injury, while Evan Fournier has seen increased playing time but has struggled with poor shooting efficiency.
Of the players involved in the trade, only Bogdanovic and Grimes have guaranteed contracts for the next season. The Knicks are gradually improving their position in the standings and are close to catching up with the third-seeded Cavaliers.
Injury concerns continue for the Knicks, with Mitchell Robinson missing his 50th consecutive game due to a stress fracture, Randle awaiting clearance due to a shoulder injury, and Anunoby’s status remaining uncertain after experiencing discomfort in his surgically repaired elbow.
As the Knicks and Pistons face each other, the trade serves as a reminder of unmet expectations and ongoing challenges for both teams.
