Alec Burks, Jazz Agree to New Contract: Latest Details, Reaction and Analysis

The Utah Jazz locked in a key part of their future Friday, as they agreed to a contract extension with guard Alec Burks. The team announced the deal on Friday:

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The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has signed guard Alec Burks to a multi-year contract extension. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not released.

“We have great regard for Alec’s work ethic and dynamic athletic ability as well as his growth potential,” said Jazz General Manager Dennis Lindsey. “Alec is a young player with a unique skillset and true passion for basketball who consistently finds the gym and has displayed the characteristics and desire to continue to improve his game. He is a high-character individual who, throughout his time with the Jazz, has expressed his love for Salt Lake City and Jazz fans, so we are thrilled to know that he will be a core piece of our future as we continue to grow.

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Burks commented on the deal in the announcement:

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“I feel very blessed and want to thank the Miller family and Jazz organization for their belief in me and my abilities, and to have made this type of commitment to me,” said Burks. “Jazz fans have been very supportive of me since day one, and I am very happy to be able to continue my playing career in Utah, which has become like a second home to my family and me.”

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Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports first announced the deal:

The 23-year-old Burks was the 12th overall selection in the 2011 NBA draft by the Jazz out of Colorado. He is currently in the midst of his fourth professional season, and he is coming off a career year that saw him average 14 points, three rebounds and nearly three assists per game.

Burks is an important member of a young core that also includes the likes of Derrick Favors, Trey Burke, Gordon Hayward, Enes Kanter and Dante Exum.

KFAN's Ben Anderson shares his thoughts on Burks' new deal:

While Burks has yet to establish himself as a star-caliber player, Ben Anderson of 1320 KFAN views the signing as a smart one by Utah:

The Jazz are a team in transition as they try to become competitive in the Western Conference, but they may not be too far away from playoff contention.

Youthful players like Burks are getting better by the day, and Utah deserves credit for being proactive in an effort to let its future stars continue growing together.

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