2. Trey Burke, New York Knicks
The Knicks are currently splitting time in the backcourt between Trey Burke, Frank Ntilikina and Emmanuel Mudiay. Somehow, for some reason, Mudiay seems to be the favorite at this point. Burke is probably the best overall player.
As New York tanks the season without Kristaps Porzingis, the Sixers should look into the situation. Burke presents a natural fit behind Simmons in the point guard rotation, giving Brown an electric scorer and ball handler to help uplift the second unit.
After struggling early in his career, Burke has settled into a nice groove with the Knicks. His playing time gets erratic, but he’s already had a few 30+ point nights since joining the squad last season. He’s a dynamic pull-up threat, something the Sixers presently lack outside Jimmy Butler.
Burke isn’t without concerns — mainly on the defensive end — but he fills a clear need on the Sixers’ roster. The Knicks shouldn’t be married to Burke given the circumstances, so picking up the phone could be worthwhile.
The Sixers offload Fultz to a Knicks team that, for the time being, can exercise patience. Fultz has also seen several shoulder/medical specialists in New York, so he can keep those treatments local. The Knicks should give Fultz ample run.
On the other end, Burke would immediately absorb backup point guard duties in Philadelphia, removing McConnell from the regular rotation. Thomas matches salary and gives the Sixers another playable forward who can shoot and defend a couple positions. He only has $1 million in guaranteed money next season.