It’s free agency day! The Detroit Pistons are surely going to make moves to complete the roster. But what about a trade that would move the needle?
Today is the start of the most exciting and exhilarating time in the NBA. Today the free agency periods begin! The Detroit Pistons are not in the position to sign any major max guys, however, there is a trade worth exploring that I believe moves the needle to contend.
Tom Gores and Ed Stefanski have gone on record saying that they would not make a move just for the sake of making one. They are right. The danger in making a move just to be a six seed or lower is an undisciplined one.
But perhaps that would change their tune quite quickly if Bradley Beal was somehow secretly available. Beal doesn’t just move the needle, in fact, he makes you contend. Beal is a top 10 player in the Eastern Conference and I’m not sure I can name nine players better than him in the conference alone.
So what kind of package does a guy like Beal command or better yet what would the Wizards front office want for him? Let’s not forget that last season. Beal was reportedly being shopped on the trading block. Rod Beard of the Detroit Free Press did some asking around here what he found out.
I've heard that the market for Bradley Beal could be something like two first-rounders, a young asset and another player.
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) January 2, 2019
That's the ante -- just to get put the admin assistant to put the call through.
The Pistons should be encouraged to package together two first-round picks, Luke Kennard, and Reggie Jackson. The wizards are not going to have John Wall for most if not all of next season, so they will need a veteran season guard like Reggie Jackson. Luke Kennard value should be as high as ever since his promising postseason. Let’s face it the Wizards are indeed in rebuild mode.
Two first-round picks are nothing you just give up and that is understood. But with a player like Beal; who averaged 25 points per game last season, you make that call. Pistons need valuable play-makers and shooters and Beal gives you that. Getting Beal takes tons of pressure off Blake Griffin; who’s body broke down right before postseason.
When teams play the pistons they know to focus in on Blake Griffin and rightfully so! Griffin is coming off the best season of his career in which he averaged 24 points per game, seven boards, and five assists. He can’t do it alone he needs the help!
It’s not just that Beal averaged 25 points pre-game last season. It’s the fact that Beal, like Griffin, can get his own shot and doesn’t need anyone to set it up for him. It also the fact that his career percentage beyond the three-point line is at 38 nearly 40 percent.
If teams focus in too much on Griffin and draw double teams then Griffin can find Beal for a deadly three-pointer. It’s a recipe that Pistons haven’t had in quite some time. The NBA has proved time and time again you need stars to win it all. The Pistons would have two guys who average 20 plus points per game that are stars.
Imagine for a second. A core that included Beal, Griffin, and Drummond in the Eastern Conference. All three of these guys are playing the best ball of their careers and with Dwane Casey at the helm; this team could do something very special. Also, the wizards would get quality pieces back to start their rebuild.
Now is the time for this organization to take the risk and be bold and daring. The Pistons have a shot get a star (if he is available of course) and build a team in the East that could contend against the Bucks, 76ers, and Raptors.
If it’s truly about maximizing the Blake Griffin era then this is the move you make. Remember when you move the needle you have to take a shot. For the Pistons this is their shot and from the looks of it, well it’s a pretty good one.