The Detroit Pistons have been searching for a scoring punch since Reggie Jackson went down with an ankle injury. The Pistons have also been searching for a star caliber of player. As it so happens, a player who can fill both needs is available, and the Pistons are reportedly interested.
The Detroit Pistons will probably look into a deal for Charlotte Hornets point guard Kemba Walker, at least, that is what I speculated when news broke that the Hornets were making its all-star point guard available.
As it turns out, that speculation has been substantiated with reports indicating that the Pistons will in fact take a look at a Walker deal.
"A person with firsthand knowledge of the situation indicated the Pistons are indeed interested in Walker, who reportedly has been made available by the Hornets.“Certainly will look at it,” the source texted to the Free Press. “As always in hearing things, question is what would it take to get it done.“What’s their ask?”"
Walker will be under contract this season and next, and he appears to be a loyal guy. Now, maybe being traded or being in a new situation would change his level of loyalty, but considering what the Pistons need, and his apparent commitment level to a smaller market team, Walker could be a long-term answer at point guard for the Pistons.
Any deal for Walker would also, almost assuredly, involve Pistons’ oft-injured Reggie Jackson. Trading for Walker would also close the book on the Jackson era in Detroit.
Considering the differences in talent level, the Pistons would certainly be in a better position with Walker at the helm instead of Jackson.
However, Walker is only on the market, because the Hornets are looking to dump salary.
That means the Pistons would likely need to eat a larger contract, such as Nicolas Batum’s remaining with an average annual salary of $24-$27 million remaining over the next three seasons, or Dwight Howard, who is scheduled to make almost $24 million next season, before becoming a free agent.
The Hornets are also looking to acquire young players and first round picks, that means Luke Kennard, Stanley Johnson, and a Pistons’ first round pick–or any combination of–could also be involved in a Walker deal.
I’m not sure I like the idea of acquire a bad contract considering the financial state the Pistons are in, with respect to the team’s chances of actually winning.
On the other hand, Walker, Kennard (if kept), Andre Drummond, and Tobias Harris make for an intriguing lineup.
The problem is if it doesn’t work out, the Pistons would have virtually no cap space to work with, with a contract in Batum’s that would be impossible to move without pairing the contract with a valuable asset such as Drummond, much like what the Hornets are doing with Walker.
That’s a steep asking price, deal that wouldn’t shock me considering Stan Van Gundy’s desire to win now.
I believe the Pistons should have more of an eye on the future, trying to move pieces that are evidently not long-term, such as Avery Bradley, and trying to acquire young players/first round picks.
However, it would also be hard to fault the Pistons for adding an exciting player like Walker.
I believe the Pistons should be playing its younger players in larger roles, specifically Luke Kennard, and that the team should take an approach more towards the future. However, Walker could very well fit into those plans and his presence would certainly elevate the team.
As I stated in my initial post about the Walker trade rumors, this is a move I feel Van Gundy would make, for better or worse.
Next: The Detroit Pistons are finally going to unleash Kennard, per SVG
There are certainly high risks associated with such a move, but the rewards could be great too.
A move for Walker could certainly be a defining moment for the Stan Van Gundy era in Detroit.