Possible Detroit Pistons-Evan Turner Trade Scenarios

Dec 1, 2013; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Philadelphia 76ers small forward Evan Turner (12) moves the ball on Detroit Pistons power forward Greg Monroe (10) in the first quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

– Philadelphia 76er Guard Evan Turner awaits the 3 P.M. Thursday Trade Deadline to see where he might play for the remainder of the 2013-2014 season, could it be Motown?

According to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, the Pistons are believed to have an interest in Philadelphia 76er Shooting Guard Evan Turner. Mannix: “The Pistons badly need perimeter help and are believed to like Turner.” The report does not seem that outlandish as Detroit has been adamant in trade talks to try to bring some type of perimeter help for the home stretch of the regular season. Along with that, Chris Mannix is one of the must trusted NBA writers/reporters in the business.

You can read more on his take of the Trade Deadline here: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nba/news/20140219/nba-trade-deadline-primer-rumors-celtics-knicks-lakers/#ixzz2tmrDi4oU

Philly has been very active in trade talks according to reports to try to receive more prospects, draft picks, or financial relief in the form of taking on expiring deals as they continue their rebuilding process. The Sixers will definitely be in the mix for a top three pick this summer in the absolutely loaded Draft Class of 2014 (A draft in which Detroit may not even have a first round pick).

Let us breakdown a few possible trade scenarios that could help bring Evan Turner to the Motor City, without having to give up a future first round draft pick.

Player Profile: Evan Turner

Jan 22, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Philadelphia 76ers small forward Evan Turner (12) brings the ball up court during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

Height: 6’7″
Weight: 205 lbs.
Age: 25 years (Experience: 3 years)
2013-2014 Season: 17.4 PPG (Career-High); 6.0 RPG; 3.7 APG; 34.9 MPG (Started 54/54); 3FG: 29%; FT: 83%
Career Averages: 11.5 PPG; 5.5 RPG; 3.2 APG; 29.7 MPG; 3FG: 32%; FT: 77%

– Trade Scenarios:

1.) Turner For Cap Relief

– Possible Trade:
Detroit Receives:
– Evan Turner (1-year, $6.68 million)
– Jason Richardson (2-years, $6.2 million)
Philadelphia Receives:
– Rodney Stuckey (1-year, $8.5 million)
– Charlie Villanueva (1-year, $8.58 million)
– Future Second Round Pick (2015)

Trade Analysis:
– In this deal, the Sixers may not get their asking price of a first round draft pick, but they do receive a future second rounder and two major expiring deals. Along with that, Detroit would be taking on an extra year in the contract of Jason Richardson, who has not played a single game for Sixers this season as he has been derailed by injuries all year-long.

By adding Turner, you are essentially trading for a taller, younger version of Rodney Stuckey who may grab a few more boards. Turner is a slashing Guard, that loves to get into the paint and take it at the his defender down low (Sound like anyone?). In addition, Turner is a lowly three-point shooter, shooting under 30% this season (29% on the year) and is a career 32% three-point shooter if we round-up.

To pry Turner from Philly without giving up a first round pick (something the Pistons shoudn’t give up anytime soon) or their beloved Power Forward Greg Monroe, Detroit will have to center a package based around cap relief and future prospects, while taking on added salary of a player that may not play this year and likely miss some time in 2014-2015.

This trade would result in a possible starting lineup of Jennings, Turner, Smith, Monroe, and Drummond, moving Kyle Singler, the one three-point threat for the Pistons to the bench.

In my opinion the asking price of Turner may be too high for a player that may not fit the bill for areas of need this season. With Turner’s sub par three-point percentage, need to have the ball in his hands to make a play, and the added salary being taken back in the deal. I’m not sure Evan turner is a player you make a run at if your Joe Dumars

2.) Monroe/Turner Swap

– Possible Trade:
Detroit Receives:
– Evan Turner (1-year, $6.68 million)
– James Anderson (2-years, $916,000)
Philadelphia Receives:
– Greg Monroe (1-year, $4.1 million)
– Luigi Datome (2-years, $1.75 million)

Trade Analysis:
– Again, the Sixers do not get their beloved wish of first round picks for Evan Turner, but they do get an expiring contract of Greg Monroe, which they can retain in the offseason and match any offer as he will be a Restricted Free Agent this summer. They add a low-priced perimeter shooter as a filler to match salaries and make the deal work.

However, with Detroit’s stance on not trading Monroe unless in a blockbuster deal, this may be a difficult pill to swallow if your Joe D. The big lineup has been horrendous, the coach you hired was awful, and the team you have put together has drastically under performed resulting in potentially your (Dumars) dismissal this summer if the team fails to reach expectations set by team owner Tom Gores (playoffs).

This may not be a popular move, but it may turn out to be the right one. Trading Monroe relieves the pressure of Detroit having to match any offer submitted to him this summer, you add a true Small Forward in Turner, move Josh Smith to his natural Power Forward position, and add another perimeter shooter in James Anderson while keeping your expiring contracts of Rodney Stuckey and Charlie Villanueva to sign Turner to a deal this offseason (Restricted Free Agent) while still having the ability to go out and spend $10 million on potential free agents this summer.

Your move Joe.

*Statistics provided by basketball-reference.com