The Golden State Warriors are at a crossroads this offseason, paralyzed by the ongoing restricted free agency saga of Jonathan Kuminga. The former No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft has yet to reach an agreement with the franchise, leaving the Warriors’ front office in a state of limbo. With no resolution in sight—whether through a sign-and-trade or Kuminga’s temporary return—the dynastic organization has been unable to make a single move in free agency. Yet, as the summer progresses, Golden State remains determined to bolster their roster around their star trio of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. One name that should be at the top of their list? Veteran sharpshooter Alec Burks.
At 34 years old, Burks is coming off a stellar 2024-25 campaign with the Miami Heat, where he solidified his reputation as one of the NBA’s premier long-range threats. In 49 appearances, including 14 starts, the former No. 12 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft averaged 7.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while shooting an eye-popping 42.5% from beyond the arc on 4.2 attempts per game. His ability to stretch the floor with deadly accuracy makes him an ideal fit for a Warriors team that thrives on spacing and perimeter firepower.
Burks, a journeyman guard with 14 years of NBA experience, brings more than just a silky jump shot. Drafted by the Utah Jazz, he has developed a reliable offensive skillset over the years, but it’s his elite three-point shooting that could make him a game-changer for Golden State. The Warriors, led by general manager Mike Dunleavy, would be wise to pursue Burks before the 2025-26 season tips off. In fact, adding him could be the key to unlocking the full potential of their high-octane offense.
This wouldn’t be Burks’ first rodeo with the Warriors. During the 2019-20 season, he averaged an impressive 16.1 points and shot 37.5% from three in 48 games before being traded mid-season to the Philadelphia 76ers. His familiarity with Steve Kerr’s system and the Warriors’ fast-paced, shoot-first philosophy makes him a seamless fit. Imagine Burks sharing the floor with two of the greatest three-point marksmen in NBA history, Stephen Curry and Buddy Hield. The trio could form a devastating bench unit, raining triples and keeping defenses on their heels.
As the Warriors chase another championship in 2025-26, Burks’ veteran presence and sharpshooting prowess could provide the spark their second unit desperately needs. His ability to knock down open looks and create space for Golden State’s stars would elevate an already potent offense. With the Kuminga situation holding the front office hostage, failing to act swiftly on a player of Burks’ caliber could be a costly mistake. The clock is ticking, and the Warriors can’t afford to let this 42.5% three-point sniper slip through their fingers.