Trey Burke is anticipating a busy summer with unrestricted free agency looming in 2019.
But the point guard already has made his priority clear: re-signing with the Knicks.
"I know how the business goes and if that is not an option, you're always auditioning for other teams. But personally, on record, I want to be here in New York City," Burke told Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News on Monday. "You just never know, man. You never know in this league. Try not to put all your eggs in one basket because it is a business at the end of the day."
The 26-year-old Burke has resurrected his NBA career in New York after failing to live up to expectations as the ninth overall pick in the 2013 draft.
There are myriad trade packages the Knicks could entertain for Burke, as New York could seek to maximize his value before potentially losing him to a higher bidder in free agency.
But the Knicks don't have much depth at point guard. Frank Ntilikina, who continues to struggle, is the only PG under contract past this season, and Emmanuel Mudiay's future in New York is also unclear.
Burke is averaging 12.1 points per game on 42.2 percent shooting this season, but suffered a sprain to his left knee last Saturday that is expected keep him out for at least Thursday night's game against the Celtics.
After recently hiring Roc Nation as his new agency, Burke said he has summer in mind as he works to improve on both sides of the court.
"I'm very excited," he said (NY Daily News). "I know that it's going to be a very busy summer. At the same time, I'm trying not to look forward to that. Try to stay in the moment because when you look and put your mind on that, that puts pressure on yourself. And for me, I don't think I've ever played basketball for a check, for money, and I think if I switch my mindset to that, I feel I can't be the player I need to be for this team and I think that'd be a disservice to this team to just think about me, me, me and free agency.
"Obviously, it is on my mind though as well. So it's an exciting time, but at the same time I'm just trying to first of all just get back on the court and second of all be the best version I can be to help this team win. I think when you win and when you are personally excelling in your role, I think that's a plus but I think when you win teams look at that more than anything." (NY Daily News)