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The Celtics and Knicks have an extended historical past, however of late, their rivalry has performed out extra on the cap sheet relatively than MSG or TD Backyard.
Final season, Boston misplaced Evan Fournier to New York in free company. Then, after dealing Kemba Walker to Oklahoma Metropolis for Al Horford, Walker negotiated a buyout with the Thunder to hitch his hometown Knicks and Fournier, his former teammate with the Celtics.
Now, paths might cross once more up and down I-90.
With the Knicks now emerging as the favorite destination for free agent point guard Jalen Brunson, New York is making an attempt to open up cap house to signal him. After dealing Walker to the Pistons in a draft day commerce (who’s reportedly negotiating another buyout), GM Scott Perry nonetheless has work to do.
Final week, Arizona Sports 98.7’s John Gambodoro reported that the Knicks supplied Evan Fournier to the Celtics to suit into their massive $17.1 million TPE…that was created when Boston sign-and-traded Fournier to the Knicks. In the present day, SNY’s Ian Begley is reporting that the Celtics have “a degree of interest” in 11-year veteran Alec Burks.
After shuttling between the beginning lineup and the bench final season, Burks completed 2021-2022 as considered one of New York’s most constant starters, averaging 11.7 factors, 4.9 rebounds, and three assists, together with capturing 40.4% from behind the arc. Burks is getting into the second yr of a 3-year. $30 million take care of a staff choice within the last season.
ESPN’s Tim McMahon can also be reporting that Dallas might pursue a sign-and-trade take care of New York to recoup property and that would embrace Fournier, Burks, or each.
For the Celtics, Burks represents a veteran presence that would slot in properly to spell minutes for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Burks is a plus-defender at 6’6” and at occasions served because the de facto level guard with Walker and Derrick Rose unavailable for many of final season.
With Boston’s top-10 rotation gamers already inked via subsequent season, any addition this summer season ought to enhance their championship odds for 2022-2023. According to our friends at DraftKings, the Jap Convention champs are favored to win it once more at +600 with the Milwaukee Bucks (+650) and Brooklyn Nets (+700) not trailing far behind.
Take a look at DraftKings Sportsbook, the official sportsbook companion of SB Nation.
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