Alec Burks, an experienced NBA shooting guard, has played for multiple teams throughout his career, signing various contracts that reflect his skills and adaptability. As of the 2024-25 season, Burks is playing for the Miami Heat under a one-year contract. This article provides an in-depth look at Alec Burks’s contract history, his latest deal, and his financial impact in the NBA.
Early Career and Rookie Contract
Alec Burks entered the NBA when the Utah Jazz selected him as the 12th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. Like most first-round picks, Burks signed a standard four-year rookie contract with the following structure:
- First two years: Guaranteed salary
- Third and fourth years: Team options
His performance in the first few seasons led the Jazz to extend his contract. In October 2014, the Jazz rewarded him with a four-year, $42 million extension, securing him through the 2018 season.
Moving Between Teams and Short-Term Contracts
Burks played for the Jazz until 2018, when he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. This move marked the beginning of his journey through multiple teams, including:
- Cleveland Cavaliers (2018-2019)
- Sacramento Kings (2019)
- Golden State Warriors (2019-2020)
- Philadelphia 76ers (2020)
During this time, he signed several short-term contracts. In July 2019, Burks signed a one-year, $2.32 million deal with the Golden State Warriors. Although he started the season strong, the team traded him mid-season to the Philadelphia 76ers.
New York Knicks: A Major Payday
In November 2020, Burks secured a one-year, $6 million contract with the New York Knicks. His impressive performance in the 2020-21 season led the Knicks to offer him a more lucrative deal. In August 2021, Burks signed a three-year, $30 million fully guaranteed contract with New York, structured as follows:
- 2021-22 Season: $9,536,000
- 2022-23 Season: $10,012,800
- 2023-24 Season: $10,489,600 (team option)
This contract reflected the Knicks’ appreciation for his versatility, as he contributed both as a starter and off the bench.
Trade to the Detroit Pistons
In July 2022, the Knicks traded Burks and center Nerlens Noel to the Detroit Pistons. This trade helped New York free up salary cap space while giving the Pistons an experienced player. The trade details were:
Pistons Received:
- Alec Burks
- Nerlens Noel
- 2023 second-round pick
- 2026 second-round pick
- Cash considerations
Knicks Received:
- Nikola Radicevic
- Protected 2025 second-round pick
Burks played a key role for the Pistons, providing scoring depth and veteran leadership for a young roster. However, Detroit declined his team option for the 2023-24 season, making him a free agent.
Miami Heat Contract (2024-25 Season)
Ahead of the 2024-25 season, Alec Burks signed a one-year contract with the Miami Heat. The financial breakdown of his current deal is:
- Base Salary: $3,303,771
- Cap Hit: $2,087,519
- Dead Cap Value: $2,087,519
This veteran minimum contract provides Miami with an experienced player at a low cost. Burks’s role on the team will likely include perimeter shooting and providing depth off the bench.
Career Earnings and Financial Impact
Over his 13-year NBA career, Burks has accumulated significant earnings. By the end of the 2023-24 season, his total career earnings were estimated at $89 million. With his new contract in Miami, his career earnings will surpass $92 million.
Burks’s financial journey highlights the value of consistency and adaptability in professional basketball. His ability to secure contracts across multiple teams demonstrates how valuable he is in various roles, from starter to bench contributor.
Conclusion
Alec Burks’s career has been a testament to resilience and adaptability in the NBA. From a long-term contract with the Jazz to short-term deals with multiple teams, he has continued to prove his worth. His current one-year contract with the Miami Heat ensures he remains an active part of the league. As the 2024-25 season unfolds, Burks will aim to maximize his impact and potentially secure another deal in the future.
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