Pistons Expected to Exercise Alec Burks Option

The Pistons appear likely to pick up the $10.5 million team option on guard/forward Alec Burks, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype and James L. Edwards III of The Athletic.

Each addressed the topic on the HoopsHype podcast.

Burks, who will be 32 in July, is coming off his first season in Detroit, where he averaged 12.8 points on 44 percent shooting, including 41 percent on 3-pointers. He appeared in 51 games and was considered a positive force around an otherwise fairly young team.

Rival playoff-caliber teams were inquiring about Burks ahead of the February trade deadline, Scotto said.

“I’ve heard that too. I’d be absolutely floored if Burks’ option wasn’t picked up,” Edwards added. “He was really good for them last year. He’s a bucket. He’s a good locker room guy.”

Detroit recently hired Monty Williams as coach, replacing Dwane Casey, who moved into the front office after five seasons.