Trey Burke Net Worth

What is Trey Burke's net worth and salary?

Trey Burke is an American professional basketball player who has a net worth of $8 million. Trey Burke is one of the most iconic players in the modern history of Michigan basketball. Though his professional career spanned nearly a decade across multiple NBA franchises, Burke's enduring legacy is rooted in a brief but electrifying two-year college run that permanently reshaped Michigan's program and produced one of the most memorable moments in NCAA tournament history. A fearless scorer with deep shooting range, elite ball-handling, and uncommon composure under pressure, Burke led Michigan to the 2013 national championship game and emerged as the defining star of the John Beilein era.

As a sophomore, Burke delivered one of the greatest individual seasons ever recorded by a Michigan guard. He averaged 18.6 points and nearly seven assists per game while serving as the engine of a team that won 31 games and reached the NCAA title game. His clutch performances, including a now-legendary 30-foot game-tying three-pointer against Kansas in the Sweet 16, elevated him from standout college guard to national figure. That season earned him virtually every major national player of the year honor and solidified his place in college basketball history.

Although Burke's NBA career never quite matched the heights of his collegiate dominance, he carved out a long professional run built on skill, resilience, and adaptability. Over time, his legacy has become less about statistics and more about moments, leadership, and the belief that preparation and confidence could overcome perceived physical limitations. In 2026, Michigan formally enshrined that legacy by retiring Burke's No. 3 jersey, placing him among the most honored players the program has ever produced.

Early Life

Trey Burke was born on November 12, 1992, and grew up in Columbus, Ohio. He began playing basketball at a young age and developed an early belief that he could reach the highest levels of the sport, even though he was never viewed as a physically imposing prospect. Standing just six feet tall, Burke relied on skill, quickness, and an advanced understanding of the game rather than raw athleticism.

He attended Central Ohio basketball programs that emphasized fundamentals, eventually emerging as a highly productive high school guard. Despite his scoring ability and leadership traits, Burke was considered a modest recruit by national standards and entered the college process as a three-star prospect. That status would ultimately become a defining theme of his career, reinforcing his reputation as a late bloomer who consistently outperformed expectations.

Michigan Breakout and National Stardom

Burke arrived at Michigan during a transitional period for the program under head coach John Beilein. As a true freshman, he immediately took on a central role, leading the team in scoring, assists, and three-pointers made. He averaged 14.8 points per game and showed an advanced command of Beilein's offense, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors and setting the foundation for what would follow.

His sophomore season in 2012–2013 elevated him into the national spotlight. Burke improved across every statistical category and became one of the most reliable late-game performers in college basketball. Michigan stormed through the NCAA tournament, and Burke delivered signature moments at every stage. His deep, contested three-pointer against Kansas in the Sweet 16, launched from nearly 30 feet as the shot clock expired, remains one of the most replayed shots in tournament history.

Michigan ultimately fell just short in the national championship game, but Burke's season was widely regarded as historic. He finished with 37 double-digit scoring performances, dominated elite opponents, and transformed Michigan into a national power. His leadership and poise were often cited by teammates and coaches as the emotional backbone of the team's success.

NBA Career

Burke declared for the NBA Draft following his sophomore season and was selected ninth overall in 2013. He was immediately traded on draft night and began his professional career with the Utah Jazz, where he spent his first three seasons. Burke showed flashes of high-level scoring and playmaking, including several notable rookie performances, but struggled with efficiency and consistency as defenses adjusted to his game.

Over the next several years, Burke became a journeyman guard, playing for the Washington Wizards, New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, and Philadelphia 76ers. His role gradually shifted from primary ball-handler to reserve scorer, and he adapted by leaning more heavily into shooting and off-ball play. While he never developed into a long-term franchise centerpiece, Burke remained valued for his professionalism, experience, and ability to provide instant offense off the bench.

In total, Burke played nine NBA seasons, appearing in hundreds of regular-season games and logging playoff minutes with multiple teams. His career reflected both the difficulty of sustaining college-level dominance in the NBA and the perseverance required to remain employed at the highest level of professional basketball.

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Later Professional Career

After his NBA tenure concluded, Burke continued playing professionally overseas and in international leagues, including stints in Puerto Rico. His continued presence in professional basketball underscored his enduring love for the game and his willingness to adapt his career beyond the NBA spotlight.

By this stage, Burke's focus had shifted from proving himself to enjoying competition and extending his playing career. His post-NBA years also coincided with renewed public appreciation for his college legacy, particularly as Michigan fans reflected on the defining moments of the Beilein era.

Contracts, Salaries & Career Earnings

Over the course of his NBA career, Trey Burke earned approximately $22 million in salary. His rookie-scale contract following the 2013 draft accounted for a significant portion of that total, with subsequent deals reflecting his role as a rotational guard rather than a franchise cornerstone.

Burke signed multiple short-term and minimum contracts as his career progressed, a common path for veteran guards navigating roster turnover and salary cap constraints. While his earnings never reached superstar levels, they represented a successful and financially stable NBA career, particularly for a player whose draft profile was shaped by size concerns and skepticism about his long-term upside.

His post-NBA earnings from international play added incremental income while allowing him to remain active in the sport on his own terms.

Legacy at Michigan

Trey Burke's legacy at Michigan extends far beyond wins and statistics. In 2026, the university retired his No. 3 jersey, placing him in an exclusive group of players whose impact permanently shaped the program. The honor served as formal recognition of a player who helped restore Michigan basketball to national relevance and delivered one of the most thrilling tournament runs in school history.

Burke is remembered as a winner, a leader, and a player whose confidence never wavered regardless of circumstance. For many fans, his defining trait was belief, belief in his preparation, belief in his teammates, and belief that no moment was too big. That mindset, more than any single shot or accolade, remains the cornerstone of Trey Burke's basketball legacy.

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