2. Alec Burks
Alec Burks is in his seventh season playing for the Utah Jazz. He was the 12th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and hasn’t had the career I’m sure he and Jazz expected he would have.
He is set to make $10.8 million this season and $11.5 million next season. This year for the Jazz he is averaging 9.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game, shooting 33.3 percent from downtown.
Burks is a 6’6″, 214-pound shooting guard with the ability to play small forward. He also has the skills to have the ball in his hands and create offense. He can more of a point forward for the Blazers like Evan Turner is, but Burks can shoot better than Turner.
The Blazers need shooting from their wings and Burks would help with that. He is a larger guard, and that would be a helpful addition to Portland.
He wouldn’t have to start right away but could be a meaningful role player. Once he starts to feel comfortable in the offense, he could move into the starting small forward position. Portland would have two seasons to figure out for themselves how talented Burks is.
Guys like Napier, Aminu, Davis, Harkless and even Nurkic have all found better success in Portland than their old teams. Burks could be another guy to join that list.
Why the Jazz might do this trade
The Jazz are stocked up on guards and wings and could use a center that can stretch the floor. Meyers Leonard just hasn’t fit in Portland and may need a change of scenery. He goes to a young Utah team that is struggling this season. Leonard could see more playing time at a consistent rate in Utah.
The Jazz also receive a first round pick from Portland for taking on Leonard for three more years.