Detroit Pistons: 5 free agents to target if Christian Wood leaves
By Matthew Way
4. Alec Burks
At age 29, Alec Burks doesn’t fit the Pistons timeline, but he still makes sense for several reasons. But most importantly, ESPN’s Bobby Marks projects Burks to make $4-$6 million next season, which is a number Detroit can afford. The Pistons have been looking for a quality combo guard since Stan Van Gundy spent $21 million on Langston Galloway, and Burks could finally fill that position.
The University of Colorado product had a very strong finish to last year with Philadelphia and he’s proven over nine seasons that he’s a capable playmaker with real value when he’s on the court.
He’s only started 86 games in those nine years, but his ability to play competently both on the wing as well as some point guard is a valuable commodity. And Detroit has multiple young guys on its roster who could learn a thing or two about that role.
Brown and Kennard have both seen time at point guard and on the wing and their most likely long-term spots fall in that combo guard role. Burks brings real experience and could help both Brown and Kennard if Weaver believes he’d buy into that role.
Plus, if Burks ends up playing well in Detroit on a cheap contract, he could be an intriguing trade chip for contenders in need of some backcourt help.