1. Alec Burks, SG
There is no guarantee that Alec Burks is even bought out by the Detroit Pistons. His name has certainly lingered in the buyout conversation now that the deadline has passed but there is a real possibility that the Detroit Pistons hold onto him.
Burks is making over $10 million on his deal this season and has a club option for slightly more next season. If Burks is not in the Pistons’ long-term plans then it makes sense to save money and do him (and his agent) the favor of letting him play for a contender.
By doing this, the team would at least be establishing a good relationship with Burks’ agent for future clients. It sounds trivial but that is absolutely part of the decision-making process for some of these moves. It is a business after all.
If Burks does become a legitimate buyout candidate then he is obviously the best option for the Lakers as he is one of the best three-point shooting role players in the league. Burks is shooting 41.8% from three in 4.6 attempts per game this season.
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The Los Angeles Lakers made a flurry of trades at the NBA trade deadline that has many calling them a more complete team. But are they actually better?
Burks may not be able to add much more in terms of a dynamic offensive game but that is not what the Lakers need. He would instantly add an elite off-ball shooting presence that could definitely help with the team’s lack of bodies at the small forward position.