Golden State Warriors: Alec Burks is playing himself into a trade

The Golden State Warriors signed Alec Burks this offseason hoping for bench depth, but they may have found so much more as he’s exploded onto the scene.

There was no intention of trading Alec Burks when he signed with the Golden State Warriors this offseason. After all, he signed a veteran’s minimum which theoretically meant he had little offers elsewhere.

After a stellar start to the season, championship-caliber teams could be coming for him this trade deadline. Burks isn’t going to transcend a team into a contender, but he could become the best scoring option on a contender’s bench.

He’s proven that on a nightly basis, and it was on display against last night as the Dubs took down the Minnesota Timberwolves, extending their season-long win streak to two. Burks scored 22 points, the second-highest in the game.

Starting off his career with the Jazz, Burks played for three organizations last season. After three-straight seasons of double-figure scoring with Utah, Burks’ value started to cripple as he could hardly stay on the court for over 40 games.

The Jazz, needing a few weapons for their playoff run, traded him to Cleveland. Just over two months later he was dealt again to Sacramento, showing how little value many believe the veteran forward had.

Averaging almost 16 points per game, Burks has been on a tear this season. Combine his scoring with his contract, and it’s clear that any team that’s walking a thin line on cap space could use a player like Burks.

And, although he’d made it clear he would like to stay in Golden State, there’s no reason to think Golden State would hang onto him. Burks is on a one-year deal and will become a free agent at the end of the season.

From assists to steals to rebounds to three-pointers made to points, Burks is setting career-highs across the board with the opportunity he’s been given in Golden State. At 7-24, it might be time for them to find him a home in which he’ll make contributions to a meaningful team.

Sadly, that team won’t be the Warriors this season. However, hopefully, he’ll re-sign with the team when the time comes in just a few short months.