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The Golden State Warriors have signed veteran guard Alec Burks. The news was first reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
Golden State capitalized on a bizarre free agency opening, as Burks was originally committed to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Yet after the Thunder traded Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he’ll team up with Kawhi Leonard, Oklahoma City’s outlook is very different.
The Thunder are no longer a clear playoff team, and are even exploring trade options for Russell Westbrook. Suddenly they shifted from trying to compete in the West, to trying to rebuild.
As a result, the Thunder gave their free agent signings - Burks and Mike Muscala - the option to back out of their agreements. Mustala chose not to, but Burks did.
That’s where the Warriors - who needed some wing depth - came in.
Guard Alec Burks has agreed to a one-year deal with the Golden State Warriors, agent JR Hensley tells @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. “Alec was extremely appreciative about how the Thunder handled the situation and he’s looking forward to his new opportunity,” Hensley said.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 8, 2019
Burks was drafted 12th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz. He played with the Jazz for parts of eight years, before being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2018-19 season. Burks was then traded to the Sacramento Kings, where he finished the season.
In his eight-year career, Burks has averages of 9.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. He is a career 35.5% shooter from three-point range.
Barring a trade, this may keep the Warriors from re-signing Damion Lee, unless they agree to a two-way contract.