New Orleans Pelicans: 3 low-cost, low-risk options at NBA Trade Deadline

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – DECEMBER 20: Alec Burks #8 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 20, 2019 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Alec Burks, G, Golden State Warriors

Playing effective minutes as both a starter and off the bench for the Golden State Warriors, Alec Burks is a name many expect to see involved in a deal at the NBA Trade Deadline.

In the midst of a career-best season, Burks is averaging 15.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting a solid 36.9% from three-point territory.

With the Warriors currently ranking as the league’s worst team at 11-39 and lining themselves up nicely for a pick at the top of the NBA Draft lottery, it makes sense that they’d be willing to move on from cheap pieces for the price of a lower-tier asset.

Burks also has a 16 PER, which is above replacement level and his combination of efficiency and scoring could help stabilize a New Orleans Pelicans’ bench that at times looks very young.

Playing in his ninth season in the NBA, the 28-year-old Burks is starting to carve out a nice role as a piece of an NBA bench.

Standing 6’6″, 214 LBS and playing slightly below-average defense, the former 12th-overall pick from the 2011 NBA Draft can be tasked to cover larger defenders due to his size and strength.

While Burks plays a lot of his offensive sets from the two-guard spot, keeping him in rotation on defense would add a lot of value to the Pelicans’ bench. The team has struggled to match-up on defense when going to their second unit, so a veteran like Burks could really stabilize that group.

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