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Detroit Pistons: Small Moves Signal Success After Trade Deadline

ByJoye Pruitt|
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 26: Reggie Bullock #25 and Stanley Johnson #7 of the Detroit Pistons exchange hand shakes during team introductions prior to the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 26, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 26: Reggie Bullock #25 and Stanley Johnson #7 of the Detroit Pistons exchange hand shakes during team introductions prior to the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 26, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Detroit Pistons were not involved in a blockbuster trade by the deadline, but kept it simple with moves that keep them competitive.

The Detroit Pistons made steps towards restructuring their contractual obligations and adding youthful potential to the roster before the trade deadline Thursday. After all the smog settled, the Pistons came away with Thon Maker and Svi Mykhailiuk.

But, without Reggie Bullock and Stanley Johnson.

Bullock was involved in a deal that landed him with the Los Angeles Lakers for Mykhailiuk and a future second-round pick to the Pistons.

Johnson was in a deal that eventually landed him in New Orleans. Soon after his trade to the Milwaukee Bucks – for Thon Maker – it was reported that Johnson would actually be rerouted to the Pelicans lockerroom and the Bucks would be acquiring Nikola Mirotic and Jason Smith in a three-team deal.

Now that we know the what, what does it all mean for the Detroit Pistons moving forward?

Reggie for Svi is not going to shock and awe any Detroit fans. Mykhailiuk was a pretty impressive college product, but his rookie campaign thus far has been underwhelming. The downside of this trade is that the Pistons lose some reliable three-point shooting in Bullock.

The shooter had been one of Detroit’s bright spots this season, as the team could find consistency in Reggie Bullock’s effort on both ends of the court.

It’s always going to be an adjustment when you trade a player away that averages 12.1 points (Bullock) and receive a player that averages 3.3 points per. But, between Bullock’s need to be paid and the Pistons need to unload and create space and opportunity for the future, I understand the move.

The Detroit Pistons have not excused themselves from the postseason table, but the trade signals that the franchise is looking further down the road than this spring.

As they should.

The first round of the NBA Playoffs would be a crapshoot at best, even with Reggie Bullock on hardwood for Detroit. However, bringing in Mykhailiuk gives the Detroit Pistons a decent shooter and a player that can play on and off the ball. The approximate $1.4 million he is due next season (non-guaranteed) likely sweetened the pot.

Bullock is a free agent after this season and things might get a bit more expensive than the Pistons are ready to acquiesce. For now, the move unloads what might have become a costly contract in the off-season to keep Bullock and the opportunity to develop a promising player at the beginning of his career.

The Stanley Johnson trade stung a bit. Ku Khahil says as much in a must-read piece for fans who saw the possible greatness in the young wing who has yet to see the peak of his potential in the league.

You can blame the dynamics of Stan Van Gundy’s system that stunted his growth previously. But, everyone can attest that even in first-year coach, Dwane Casey’s scheme, Johnson stumbled to be productive in more than spurts.

Defensively, Johnson put it all on the line, sometimes to his detriment. His commitment to defense made him the Pistons’ most lethal wing defender. The Detroit Pistons needed more and a change of scenery should do Johnson good, equally.

Bringing Thon Maker into the rotation adds another element of length, athleticism and scoring for Detroit. His production for the Milwaukee Bucks was as limited as his role and in a new environment, he may be able to reinforce his reputation as a threat in the league.

He has a three-point shooting average of around 33 percent and a crossover at 7’1. In a league that has redefined its reliance on the versatility of its players, Maker should settle in fine with the Detroit Pistons.

In his first showing as a Pistons’ player, a slight scare aside, Maker was already communicating on defense and watching the floor to get acquainted with his teammates during his time in the game. Mykhailiuk showed that he can move the ball efficiently and will be aggressive in getting his shot up, if only for a few moments.

In a season where the Detroit Pistons have experienced both peaks and valleys at a head-spinning rate, Friday night’s win was a breath of fresh air for Dwane Casey’s squad. It could be a start of a rebranding for the Pistons.

But, we probably should not get too ahead of ourselves.

Just rest assured knowing the Detroit Pistons, this time around, made smart moves considering a long-term success.

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