NBA trade season is heating up in advance of February’s trade deadline. How the Detroit Pistons are going to handle this year’s trade season is still an unknown.
The league expects them to be sellers, however Detroit isn’t going to give up their solid veteran players for nothing. One player that other teams will undoubtedly be in the Pistons ear about is veteran scorer Alec Burks.
Detroit Pistons: Teams will be after Alec Burks
Burks has been getting buckets in the league for over 10 years now. Any contender looking to add shooting and scoring ability should be salivating at the opportunity to get Burks for a playoff run.
He has shot 40 percent or higher from three in each of his past four seasons, including 45.3 percent this season on 4.4 attempts per game. That’s next to otherworldly, resulting in Burks’ trade stock increasing as we get closer to the deadline.
I don’t expect the Pistons to give up Burks for pennies. He’s a great scorer on a team that can struggle to find offense at times. He also adds a strong veteran presence amongst the young core, and could be positive in the locker room for years to come.
Burks is also on a team-friendly contract, making a bit over $10 million this season with a $10.5 million team option next season. The Pistons, or any team that acquires him this season, can choose to pick up that option or let Burks walk into free agency for additional financial freedom.
One team to watch as the deadline approaches is the Milwaukee Bucks. They are looking to make a deep postseason run this year, and have struggled to stay healthy with Khris Middleton missing most of the season and Giannis Antetokounmpo missing games as of late.
Burks fits the profile of a strong mid-season addition for Milwaukee. A knock-down shooter that can score off the bench, or provide some spot starts if needed due to injury.
So, how could Milwaukee acquire Burks from Detroit prior to the deadline?