The Knicks kicked off free agency by giving substantial raises to Alec Burks and Nerlens Noel.
Burks, the backup guard and sparkplug scorer, agreed to a three-year, $30 million pact, according to ESPN. Nerlens Noel, the anchor of the defense last season, was slightly higher at three years, $32 million.
Noel’s deal, in particular, is an indication the Knicks are concerned about the future of Mitchell Robinson, who broke his foot last season. Robinson is younger with a bigger upside but could become an unrestricted free agent after next season.
Even when healthy, Robinson split time with Noel at center. Noel ultimately secured the starting job and emerged as a top-level shotblocker, finishing second in the league at 2.2 per game. His value was evident in the playoffs, when Noel was slowed by an ankle injury and the Knicks collapsed.
Noel, 27, who attended Kentucky like four other Knicks, will more than double his salary after earning $5 million last season.
Burks, 30, similarly exceeded expectations last season off the bench, averaging 12.7 points while shooting a career-high 42% from beyond the arc. Burks was slowed by an ankle injury early in the season but developed into the team’s part-time closer who could create his own shot.
Less than a year ago, Burks signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Knicks in free agency. His new deal is fully guaranteed. Burks came highly recommended by assistant coach Johnnie Bryant, who worked with Burks when both were with the Utah Jazz.
The Knicks entered free agency with the most cap space in the NBA but without superstars available. Chris Paul is reportedly returning to the Suns on a massive four-year, $120 million deal. And barring a shocker, Kawhi Leonard will re-sign with the Clippers.
Kyle Lowry joined the Miami Heat in a sign-and-trade, according to reports. Lonzo Ball agreed to a deal with the Chicago Bulls.
Even after re-signing Noel and Burks, the Knicks could have roughly $32 million remaining to spend in free agency and have expressed interest in Boston wing Evan Fournier, who’d command a multi-year pact in the $15-to-$20 million range annually. About half of the Knicks’ remaining cap space, however, is tied up in cap holds for Derrick Rose, Reggie Bullock and Luca Vildoza.
Regardless, the Knicks still need a point guard and could either sign a free agent — Dennis Schroder, Reggie Jackson and Spencer Dinwiddie remain available — or make a trade. New York has also been linked to a possible deal for Cleveland’s Collin Sexton.
