<![CDATA[Knicks bring back Nerlens Noel, Alec Burks to open NBA free agency]]> https://usagag.com/2021/08/02/knicks-bring-back-nerlens-noel-alec-burks-to-open-nba-free-agency/ Mon, 02 Aug 2021 18:51:33 +0000 hourly 1 https://usagag.com Knicks bring back Nerlens Noel, Alec Burks to open NBA free agency The Knicks made a big commitment to center Nerlens Noel, meaning the future for center Mitchell Robinson is unclear.

As NBA free agency opened Monday, the Knicks are going the continuity route after making the playoffs with a 41-31 record this past season.

They agreed to re-sign Noel to a three-year, $32 million deal, leaving Robinson’s future in a lot of doubt. The Knicks exercised the option of Robinson for $1.8 million for the 2021-22 season.

The Knicks had to use their cap space to re-sign Noel, who ably filled in for Robinson during his injury-marred season but didn’t perform well versus Atlanta in the playoffs as he was dominated by Clint Capela.

There’s speculation the Knicks would look to extend Robinson’s contract before he becomes a 2022 free agency. However, with the money going to Noel, Robinson now becomes an important trade chip if the Knicks enter trade talks with Portland for Damian Lillard.

Nerlens Noel and Alec Burks will be back with the Knicks in 2020-21.
Getty Images (2)

Robinson, who played just 31 games this season, was seen in a walking boot while shooting in New Orleans on Monday.

The Knicks also re-signed wing Alec Burks for three years, $30 million and sources say they are expected to re-sign Derrick Rose.

With the Knicks talking with Evan Fournier on a three-year deal, that likely spells the end of Reggie Bullock’s two-year Knicks career. The Knicks also had to use cap space to ink Burks as some of their higher targets weren’t coming.

This story originally appeared on: NyPost - Author:Marc Berman

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