Around the NBA, there are certain model franchises. They’re the example that everyone else is looking to follow. They laid out a plan, followed it, and had tremendous success.
The Golden State Warriors are one of those franchises. This has been the defining organization of the last decade. With that said, the Warriors may be on the decline. In 2023-24, they are not what they once appeared to be.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons used to be a model organization. This team has won several championships. Unfortunately, in recent years, they’ve become more of a model of how not to operate.
Could they send Alec Burks to the Warriors to change their fortunes?
NBA Trade Proposal: Golden State Warriors Land Detroit Pistons’ Alec Burks
Detroit Pistons Receive: G/F Gary Payton III, G/F Moses Moody
Golden State Warriors Receive: G/F Alec Burks
Any organization needs to be thinking about how to manage their young players. Should they throw them from the frying pan into the fire, or ease them into NBA life? Which approach is best?
There’s no easy answer here. The Pistons have thrust their young guys into large roles. It hasn’t necessarily panned out. These young men do not look prepared to carry an NBA team. Is a more gradual developmental plan best?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alec Burks, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors Updates
Well, the Warriors have implemented a more gradual plan. That hasn’t necessarily worked out either – players like Moody and Jonathan Kuminga need more reps. In the end, this isn’t an exact science.
Should the Warriors cut ties with Moody?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
It’s difficult to say exactly what Golden State should do. One thing remains clear: Steph Curry is still a superstar. With that in mind, it could be sensible for the Warriors to lean into win-now mode – even with their losing record.
What do the Warriors need to improve? Frankly, they need a little bit of everything. The Warriors simply need more reliable players in their rotation.
That makes this a perfect deal – Burks is a reliable rotation player who does a little bit of everything. To be specific,
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alec Burks, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors Updates
Burks is a knockdown shooter who can lock up his man on defense. He also provides some secondary playmaking as a smart passer.
Should the Pistons give up a valuable player?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
To some, it’s felt like Detroit hasn’t built a team. They’ve simply collected talented young players. More specifically, the Pistons could use a young wing or two on their roster.
Why not Moody? He’s a solid all-around player. In fact, we could describe him similarly to how we described Burks. The difference is that Moody is young enough to be part of the Pistons’ future.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alec Burks, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors Updates
Will they get worse by moving Burks? No – how much worse could they get? The Pistons should make this move to acquire a young player who fits with their young core – it’s what a model franchise would do.