The New York Knicks are looking to fill out their roster, with several established veterans reportedly in the mix. PFSN’s Bjorn Bergstrom predicts the 2025 Eastern Conference finalists will bypass flashier names in favor of reuniting with a 34-year-old sharpshooter.
Following their first conference finals appearance in 25 years, the Knicks have rounded out their bench, signing offensive-minded guard Jordan Clarkson and versatile forward Guerschon Yabusele. With one opening remaining on their roster, they have been linked to ex-stars such as Ben Simmons and Victor Oladipo, who each come with extensive injury histories.
However, Bergstrom foresees New York taking a safer approach by settling for a known commodity.
Knicks Anticipated To Reunite With Alec Burks in Free Agency
In his Tuesday article, “NBA Free Agency: Landing Spots for the Top 10 Remaining Free Agents,” Bergstrom pegged New York as 14-year veteran guard Alec Burks’ most likely destination. The analyst cited Burks’ offensive reliability with the Miami Heat this past season as the key factor in his ranking as the ninth-best remaining free agent.
“14 seasons into his career, and at age 34, Alec Burks is still a reliable spark-scorer off the bench,” Bergstrom wrote. “Playing for the Miami Heat last season, he averaged 7.3 points in 17.6 minutes per game, including multiple 20-point outings.”
Bergstrom then touched on Burks’ familiarity with the Knicks, having played for the franchise from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024. He also noted the possibility of the journeyman receiving an increased role in newly hired coach Mike Brown’s fast-paced offensive system.
“He’s already been with the New York Knicks twice in his career, performing well during each stint,” Bergstrom wrote.
“With new head coach Mike Brown presumably using more of the team’s depth than previous coach Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks could opt to sign one more player to their bench unit. They have already signed Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele this offseason; adding Burks would complete their rotation and provide insurance in case of injury.”
Burks Looking To Capitalize on Career-Best 3-Point Shooting Campaign
Burks, a career 38.6% 3-point shooter, shot a career-high 42.5% from deep on 4.2 attempts per game over 49 outings with Miami. His outside shooting ability alone should earn him at least a veteran’s minimum contract in a league that places a premium on spacing.
New York shot just 34.9% from long range across 18 2025 playoff contests, ranking 10th out of 16 teams, making Burks a potentially strong fit. However, with Clarkson, a score-first guard, already entering the mix, the organization could target a more dynamic two-way contributor to cap off its offseason.
Regardless, the chance to join a Jalen Brunson-led Knicks team that is expected to be a top contender in the wide-open East will likely appeal to numerous ring-chasing vets.
