The New York Knicks announced on Wednesday that they have signed point guard Trey Burke. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed as of yet.
Burke most recently played with the Washington Wizards during the 2016-17 season, appearing in 57 games coming off the bench behind John Wall. He had agreed to a non-guaranteed deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder earlier this offseason but backed out.
Coming out of Michigan where he played alongside Knicks shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. as a can’t-miss prospect thanks to a sophomore season that saw him produce 18.6 points and 6.7 assists per game, Burke was drafted ninth overall by the Utah Jazz in 2013. But he fell out of favor in a crowded Utah backcourt that contained Raul Neto and the injury-riddled Shelvin Mack.
After averaging 12.1 points and 4.2 assists in 28.2 minutes per game in Utah, Burke put up just 5.0 points and 1.8 assists in 12.3 minutes per night.
With Frank Ntilikina missing the entire Summer League and most of the preseason with groin and knee issue, it remains unclear just how ready the 19-year-old Frenchman is for life in the NBA. That could mean there is playing time to be had and that there will be a brief, yet fierce competition for a roster spot.
With Ron Baker slated to start the regular season at point guard, Ramon Sessions would likely be his backup should Ntilikina be unable to go. That leaves probably just one spot for either Jarret Jack or Burke.
The Knicks’ final preseason game is on Friday against the Wizards.
