The Utah Jazz just added more offensive firepower to a roster needing help to compete with a loaded Western Conference, as the team acquired guard Kyle Korver from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for guard Alec Burks and two future second round draft picks. The two draft picks are Utah’s own 2020 second round pick, and a 2021 second round pick from the Washington Wizards via the Jazz.
In Korver, the Jazz acquired a premiere knockdown three-point shooter who can help space the floor for dynamic guard Donovan Mitchell.
Korver (6-7, 212) appeared in 124 games (five starts) for Cleveland after being acquired by the Cavaliers on Jan. 7, 2017. He averaged 9.3 points on .468 shooting, including a .454 mark from three-point territory, and 2.3 rebounds in 21.6 minutes per game. Korver also appeared in 40 playoff contests (11 starts) during the 2017 and 2018 Playoffs, averaging 7.2 points while shooting .404 from deep and adding 2.1 rebounds in 20.1 minutes per game.
For the Cavs, Korver became expendable when the team lost LeBron James to free agency and forward Kevin Love for several weeks due to injury. The loss of those two All-Stars has caused Cleveland to linger near the Eastern Conference's cellar, and has essentially removed any hope of a playoff run this year.
Korver was highly coveted by several contenders, and thus, had more value to the Cavs as a trade asset.
“Kyle’s on-court accomplishments are well known,” said Cavaliers General Manager Koby Altman. “More importantly, though, Kyle is a great person and teammate. He sets an example in everything he does. His work ethic, character and dependability are all at a very special level and something we will always respect and be thankful for.”
In Burks, the Cavs acquired an expiring contract and salary cap relief for a franchise paying big bucks to several very average players next season. If Burks and his slashing game provide any additional on-court production, it will be considered a bonus.
“Alec is a young vet that’s versatile and talented,” said Altman. “We welcome him to Cleveland and we’re looking forward to him getting started with us soon.”
Burks (6-6, 214) has appeared in 17 games for Utah this season, averaging 8.4 points in 15.8 minutes per game. He has scored in double figures on six occasions in 2018-19, including a season-high 22 points in 27 minutes on Nov. 5 versus Toronto.
Playing in his ninth NBA season, Burks holds career averages of 9.6 points and 2.9 rebounds in 20.8 minutes per game over 382 career contests (43 starts) with Utah. He also competed in the 2012 and 2018 NBA Playoffs for the Jazz, averaging 8.3 points and 2.7 rebounds in 14.1 minutes per game through 13 contests. The 6-6 guard out of Colorado was originally selected by Utah with the 12th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.
By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services
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