Cavaliers Trade Rumors: Alec Burks Interests Thunder Ahead of 2019 Deadline

The Oklahoma City Thunder are reportedly interested in acquiring Cleveland Cavaliers wing Alec Burks before Thursday's NBA trade deadline, according to Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer.

Per O'Connor, "The Thunder are said to have interest in Burks as they scope out the market for a backup wing, according to league sources. Oklahoma City has a $10.9 million traded-player exception to use to absorb a salary."

O'Connor also mentioned the Thunder have discussed a deal for Taurean Prince of the Atlanta Hawks, with the Philadelphia 76ers and Portland Trail Blazers also interested.

Burks, 27, spent his first seven seasons with the Utah Jazz before being traded to Cleveland this season. On the year, he's averaging 10.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 40.3 percent from the field and 37.7 percent from three. 

He is Cleveland's most likely player to be moved ahead of the trade deadline, though Burks hasn't been focusing on the possibility of a second relocation this season.

"I don't believe in rumors until something happens," he said Tuesday night, per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. "If nothing happens then I'm not going nowhere. If something happens it happens. I enjoy my time here and hopefully it keeps going."

Oklahoma City isn't alone it its reported pursuit of Burks. Jason Lloyd of The Athletic reported on Tuesday that the Cavaliers and Houston Rockets "remained engaged ... on a deal that would bring Brandon Knight and the Rockets' first-round pick to Cleveland in exchange for Burks."

Fedor also noted that "all signs point to the Cavs hoping to acquire another first-round pick," so contenders coveting Burks will likely have to give up a draft asset. As the Thunder seek to bolster their depth and make a run at the Golden State Warriors this postseason, however, that price point is justifiable.