The J-Notes
Fansided

Evaluating the “tradability” of each Utah Jazz player

By Jared Woodcox

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 7: Derrick Favors #15 of the Utah Jazz makes his entrance before the game against the Miami Heat on January 7, 2017 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Oscar Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 7: Derrick Favors #15 of the Utah Jazz makes his entrance before the game against the Miami Heat on January 7, 2017 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Oscar Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – JANUARY 7: Alec Burks #10 of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket during the game against the Miami Heat on January 7, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – JANUARY 7: Alec Burks #10 of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket during the game against the Miami Heat on January 7, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Alec Burks

If only the Utah Jazz could have known what they know now when they signed Alec Burks to a four-year, $42 million contract extension. Burks has done extremely little to contribute to Utah’s success since inking that deal and continues to be more of a hurt than a help. Much of Burks early woes had to do with constant bouts with injury, but now even while he’s healthy, he’s been unable to find his shot and his poor decision making still looms large.

What’s worse is that the Jazz still owe Burks nearly $10.9 million for this year and over $11.5 million next year. That’s not back-breaking money, but it certainly hurts to have that much committed to a guy that is doing little to bring the team success. The Jazz have given AB ample playing time this season (sometimes in head-scratching fashion), presumably to raise his trade value, but he’s done little to achieve even that.

Therefore, you can bet that the Jazz would love to move Alec Burks’ contract to free up some cap space and rid themselves of a guy who has underachieved big time in a Jazz uniform. Unfortunately, barring a miracle or some sort of craftily-constructed package deal, I don’t see any way the Jazz find a taker for him.

He hasn’t proven to be worth what he’s being paid in any way, shape or form, and with another year left on his contract, even the financially desperate teams won’t want to bite on him. Painful though it may be, the Jazz may very well just have to live with Alec Burks for the remainder of his contract – poor decisions, bad shooting, inability to finish at the rim and all.

Verdict: Extremely expendable, but very little value – not likely to be traded