Detroit Pistons: Alec Burks likely returning but will he stay?

The Detroit Pistons only won 17 games this past season, so it’s safe to say that they have some question marks as the offseason starts to heat up.

One of them is what they are going to do with their own players, as they have a number of guys up for extensions, as well as two players with team options for next season.

One of the team options is for veteran Alec Burks, who is a great 3-point shooter off the bench and very likely to return according to Michael Scotto and James Edwards III:

"“Scotto: The Pistons are expected to pick up the $10.5 million team option on Alec Burks, I’m told. There were a lot of teams calling about him that were playoff-caliber teams.Edwards: I’ve heard that too. I’d be absolutely floored if Burks’ option wasn’t picked up. He was really good for them last year. He’s a bucket. He’s a good locker room guy…”"

Bringing back Burks is a no-brainer, as he is on a team-friendly deal that will be valuable no matter where he ends up. The Detroit Pistons also need veterans and his specific skill set, as Burks is still one of the best 3-point shooters in the league, and as Edwards III mentioned, a good locker room vet.

So Burks will be back for now, but there is a chance he won’t be on the roster by the time the season starts.

Detroit Pistons: Alec Burks likely returning but will he stay?

While Burks definitely has a fit and role on the Detroit Pistons’ roster, there are a couple of reasons why he might not be on it by next season.

The first is that Burks is one of the Pistons’ best (and only) real trade assets, as just about any contending team would love to have his shooting, especially on a middling deal that only has one year left on it. His skillset and contract make him a great fit on practically any team in the NBA.

So teams are going to be calling about Burks.

He also has one of the larger salaries on the Pistons, so if they do decide to make a big trade, they may need that $10.5 million to make it work.

The final reason is related to free agency. If the Pistons want to make a max offer to one of the top guys, they may need that extra $10.5 million. Detroit probably has enough cap space to get one max free agent, but if they wanted to add two impact guys, they may need that extra money.

For now, it appears that Burks will be back with Detroit next season, but there are a lot of moving parts and picking up his option doesn’t mean he’ll be on the team.