With the Warriors entering play on January 21 with a league-worst 10-35 record, the front office is probably already looking ahead to the summer and wondering what its core will look like come next season.
Alec Burks, like D’Angelo Russell, is one of the players whose future seems a bit uncertain. Last week, Russell was mentioned as drawing strong trade interest from the Minnesota Timberwolves while Burks, according to Monte Poole of NBC Sports Network Bay Area, has received some trade interest from “several teams” around the league.
Despite the difficulties the Warriors have faced, Burks has been steadfast in his declaring that he wishes to remain with the Warriors. Because of his production, though — he’s averaging 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game — he’s rightfully attracted some attention.
What makes Burks even more valuable is the fact that he’s currently playing under a one-year contract paying him just $2.32 million this season. It’d be difficult to find that kind of production for a relatively cheap sum, and it’s easy to understand why a contender might be interested in pursuing a trade with Golden State for his services.
From Monte Poole of NBC Sports Network Bay Area:
Several teams in recent weeks have expressed interest in Burks, according to league sources, and some have gone so far to scout him. That’s not likely to change. There is demand for veteran, low-maintenance wings unbothered by circumstances and capable of creating offense for both themselves and teammates.
The Warriors, for obvious reasons, continue to be very much involved in trade buzz around the league. The general belief is they’ll make at least one move and maybe two before the noon deadline on Feb. 6.
Although Poole’s report doesn’t specify teams, Burks’ versatility and ability to create offense will certainly make him a valuable member of a rotation — whether it be in San Francisco for the remainder of this season and beyond or elsewhere.