Rumors surfaced today that the Sacramento Kings are interested in Detroit Pistons’ center Andre Drummond. The Kings also hold the fifth and tenth pick in the draft tonight.
Another possible way the Detroit Pistons can move up in this years draft is through the Kings. Assuming they are high on Andre Drummond, finding a deal that works for both parties is feasible.
There are numerous ways this trade could go down, depending on how much Sacramento values Drummond. First possibility:
To make salaries work, the Kings would have to ship Kosta Koufos and Arron Afflalo. Although Afflalo has a pretty hefty $12.5 million contract, only $1.5 million of that is guaranteed. This means Detroit can decide to waive his non-guaranteed contract and save $11 million. But, the Pistons could also keep him to serve as a backup to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope if Detroit decides to retain him.
Moving to ten is only two spots higher, but in this years draft that could prove to be worthwhile. Lauri Markannen could quite possibly be available for Detroit, as well as Dennis Smith Jr. Malik Monk could drop to ten as well. Detroit could also try to get greedy and offer this:
This would move Detroit much farther up in this years draft, allowing them to have more options. They could go with De’Aaron Fox to possibly replace Reggie Jackson, or even take a risk on Denis Smith Jr. Jonathan Issac would also be an option Detroit would consider if available. Especially since this trade leaves them without a starting-caliber big man.
The Kings in either trade scenario get their big man of the future, and stay in the lottery. If the Kings are truly interested in Andre Drummond, are they willing to give up the fifth pick for him, or even the tenth?
Next: Could Detroit get the seventh pick?
It is hard to tell what any team is thinking at this point in the off-season. The draft is a mere hours away, leaving NBA front offices the heavy task of preparing for the future.