Knicks Sign Trey Burke

With the NBA preseason nearly over, the New York Knicks signed free agent point guard Trey Burke on Thursday.

Burke joins Ramon Sessions and Jarrett Jack as the latest signings for off the bench floor generals. The already point guard heavy roster will have to waive another player to keep Burke as the team is over the roster limit. He is the latest edition recruited in hopes of mentoring starting point guard Frank Ntilikina and giving him some mid-game relief as he adjusts to professional play.

Burke’s standing with the team remains to be seen as he will be competing with Jack for the final roster spot. At only 24-years old, Burke fits better into the Knicks’ vision for young talent than the 33-year old Jack. The former NCAA standout spent his first three seasons with the Utah Jazz before getting traded to the Washington Wizards last season.  If he is waived from the Knicks’ roster, he could still play for the team’s G-league affiliate, the Westchester Knicks. Additionally, he fills the slot to shuffle between Westchester and Madison Square Garden.

A 2013 first round draft pick, Burke averaged 10.6 points per game as well as 3.6 assists over the course of his four seasons. Last season, though, he only averaged five points per game and 1.8 assists.

There’s no doubt that Burke looks to revitalize his career with Knicks after a lackluster season with the Wizards.  Additionally, he also sees his signing as a reunion with former Michigan teammate Tim Hardaway Jr. at the University of Michigan. With the season set to kick off, there’s no doubt that both are looking to make an impact for their team. For Burke, he’s looking to earn his spot on the squad and get a chance to be a part of the next steps for the rebuilding Knicks.