Grading the trade for the Minnesota Timberwolves
This trade is all about a buyer taking advantage of a seller. The Detroit Pistons have no need for Alec Burks' services. Detroit is the worst squad in the league, thus winning shouldn't be a priority.
Going forward, it's likely the Pistons' focus is to develop young talent and discover whether the fringe rotation players are worth keeping. Burks is neither. His age and status have him on the chopping block.
Despite an unnecessary accessory in Detroit, Burks' value skyrockets as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Burks would fill the Timberwolves' need for shooting and playmaking. The Wolves' bench ranks in the bottom third of the league in points, 3-pointers, and 3-point attempts.
Burks offers head coach Chris Finch extended lineup versatility. He can fill in for realistically any starter and works as a playmaker and spot-up shooter off the bench.
Offloading Shake Milton and Troy Brown Jr. hardly affects the current rotation. Brown Jr. hasn't played double-digit minutes in a month. And Milton has recorded more DNPs than appearances since Christmas.
Furthermore, dealing Utah's 2025 second-rounder is likely to happen sooner rather than later. Minnesota is officially a contender. Improving the current roster should be the top priority. Therefore, shipping out a future second-round pick goes without question.
While Burks may just be a one-year rental, he's worth it in exchange for the aforementioned assets. With the Pistons' wing in tow, Minnesota would rank in the top five in bench points and 3-pointers per game.
The Timberwolves receive an A for this trade. This hypothetical is essentially a win-win. Neither team needs the players they're shipping out in this deal. Burks' place on the roster in Minnesota is far more valuable than his spot in Detroit.