REPORT: Houston Rockets Interested in Alec Burks
Image: Frank Franklin/Associated Press
The Houston Rockets have held trade talks with the Detroit Pistons regarding veteran guard Alec Burks, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
Fischer alluded that two-time all-star Victor Oladipo could be a part of a trade that would send Burks to Houston, considering the two's salaries are nearly identical. However, no further details on what else could be involved in a potential trade were provided.
From Fischer:
Can Oladipo net the Rockets something more? Houston has held trade discussions with Detroit regarding Alec Burks, league sources told Yahoo Sports, and the veteran ball-handler holds a $10.5 million salary that’s nearly a direct match. New Pistons head coach Monty Williams may decide to start rookie swingman Ausar Thompson and bring sophomore standout Jaden Ivey off the bench. Marcus Sasser, the No. 25 pick from this June’s draft, has also played well in preseason, and there are further minutes to spread between Joe Harris and Killian Hayes, as well as Monte Morris off the bench.
It's unlikely that Oladipo would stick around in Detroit for long. He was just traded to Houston by Oklahoma City on Tuesday, just months after the Thunder acquired him from the Miami Heat. OKC was expected to waive Oladipo had they not moved him. Anyone who acquires him will likely do the same. The former star tore his left patellar tendon last year in the playoffs and is expected to miss much, if not all, of the 2023-24 season.
However, the move could still make sense for Detroit. With six guards vying for a rotation spot, this trade could open up minutes for someone such as rookie first-round pick Marcus Sasser, or perhaps Killian Hayes who's had a strong first two preseason games. If the Rockets attached draft pick(s) compensation to Oladipo, Detroit may be able to alleviate a bit of a rotation jam while adding assets in the process.
Burks, who has started both of Detroit's first two preseason games, is coming off a strong 2022-23 campaign. The 31-year-old at the time averaged 12.8 points and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 41.4% from the 3-point line.
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