Alec Burks spent the 2024-25 season with the Miami Heat. The veteran guard suited up for 49 games, starting 14 of them. However, his one-year contract has come to an end, so he’s heading into unrestricted free agency this summer.
When speaking with Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald for a recent interview, Burks revealed that his primary option is to return to the Heat.
“The only thing I’m looking at is coming back here,” Burks said. “Everything else is what it is…I just like being here. I like the city. The city shows me a lot of love, and my family, I like the organization, [and] everybody I work with. It’s just a great place to be for this stage of my career. I like being here.”
Burks is a versatile veteran. He can get you buckets, chip in on the glass and operate as a secondary or tertiary facilitator. Burks would ensure the Heat has some reliable guard depth coming off the bench. He averaged 42.5% shooting from 3-point range on 4.2 attempts per night, while also hitting 42.2% of his 2-point shots. Clearly, he can provide some much-needed floor spacing.
However, at this point, it’s unclear whether Burks will be offered a route to remain with the franchise for the upcoming season or beyond.
Heat’s Tyler Herro Could Get Big Contract Extension
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Tyler Herro could be in line for a significant pay rise on his next deal.
“Herro not only earned his first All-Star appearance but consistently put up All-NBA-caliber numbers,” Marks wrote. “For a fourth straight season, Herro averaged at least 20 points, and finished 2024-25 with five games of at least 35 points, a career-best 47.2% shooting from the field and 5.5 assists per game…Guaranteed money once again wins out and Herro signs a three-year, $149.7 million extension.”
Herro is entering the final year of his contract. He has stepped into a significant role since Jimmy Butler bolted for the Bay Area. Ideally, Miami will tie Herro down to a long-term deal as soon as possible.
If Riley chooses to negotiate that extension this summer, Burks may need to remain patient. After all, the front office will likely prioritize Herro’s extension over negotiating a short-term veteran minimum deal.
Burks Could Play a Bigger Role
If Miami does retain Burks, he could find himself with a more defined role next season. Terry Rozier is widely expected to be shown the exit door, and while Miami will likely look to replace him with a new lead guard, Burks has proven he can provide valuable minutes within Spoelstra’s system.
Whether that means more playing time or simply more responsibility in his current role, Spoelstra will value the consistency Burks provides during what could be a transitional period.
Burks is a proven commodity at the NBA level. He can be trusted to keep things steady, even if he’s tasked with being on the floor for longer. Erik Spoelstra will undoubtedly value the type of consistency that Burks provides.
Of course, if Rozier does leave, Miami will likely look to replace him with a new lead guard. Depending on who replaces Rozier, Burks could still find himself being given more playing time with more responsibility, as he proved he could make an impact within Spoelstra’s system. However, if another team reaches out and offers Burks a defined role with some additional security, he would be wise to take it. After all, the Heat are currently a team in flux.
