Phoenix Suns acquire Detroit Pistons’ guard Alec Burks
In an otherwise disastrous New York Knicks season, Alec Burks proved one of their more valuable players with an increased role as the year progressed. He became the Knicks default starting point-guard, even if he isn’t a lead ball-handler or primary playmaker.
The 31-year-old has been a highly productive player in recent time, averaging over 12 points per game since the 2019-20 season. His three-point shooting has always been his most positive asset, shooting 38% on his career and over 40% in his two seasons in New York.
If Johnson was to be moved into the starting lineup, then Burks shooting could become a handy addition off the bench. He shot 41.8% on catch-and-shoot threes last season, also knocking down 43.2% on his corner three-point attempts.
At 6’6″, Burks would provide a little more versatility to someone like Landry Shamet, although they could both foreseeably play in the same bench unit. Burks spent at least 30% of time as a point-guard, shooting-guard and small-forward, displaying his ability to play multiple positions as required.
Burks was traded to the Pistons in a salary dumping situation so the Knicks could clear room for newly acquired free agent Jalen Brunson. While Detroit could certainly utilise him, he may be realistically available as the Pistons continue their rebuild.
Is he a better player than Crowder? They’re probably of similar value, evident by the fact they both make about $10 million. That also means that a potential trade could be just a player-for-player swap. Burks does have a team option for next season, meaning the Suns could keep him for a second season if he were to perform well in the first.