Wizards guard Trey Burke has made a change in his representation, according to Liz Mullen of SportsBusiness Journal, who reports (via Twitter) that Burke has signed with Excel Sports Management. Burke’s new agent will be Mike George, Mullen adds.
The timing of the move is interesting for Burke, who will be eligible for restricted free agency this summer. Washington will have to tender a qualifying offer to Burke to make him restricted, and it’s not clear if the team will do so — the Wizards will have their hands full with RFAs Otto Porter and Bojan Bogdanovic, so Burke may not be a priority.
Whether he’s restricted or unrestricted, Burke will have a new agent negotiating his next contract on his behalf. Previously, the former Michigan standout had been represented by CAA’s Austin Brown as well as his father, Benji Burke. It’s not clear if the elder Burke will still be involved in negotiations for his son at all, or whether Excel – led by George – will handle those discussions exclusively.
In 54 games this season for the Wizards, Burke has played just 12.3 minutes per contest, resulting in career-worst averages in most per-game categories. However, his .442 FG% and .419 3PT% this season are his best marks since entering the NBA as the ninth overall pick in 2013. Burke is still just 24, so he should draw some interest in free agency this summer, despite his limited role in Washington.