Rumors: Detroit Pistons could have interest in New York Knicks guard Frank Ntilikina

Reports say that the Detroit Pistons could have interest in young New York Knicks point guard Frank Ntilikina. What would a possible deal look like?

The Detroit Pistons have uncertainty at the point guard position beyond the next two seasons, including this year, and they may be looking to address that before the season starts.

Detroit “could have interest in” New York Knicks point guard Frank Ntilikina, according to the Detroit Free Press’ Vince Ellis.

There are several variables to consider regarding recent trade rumors, which includes ESPN’s Zach Lowe and Adrian Wojnarowski plugging the Pistons as a possible suitor for Kyle Lowry. The first is that the Pistons roster is incomplete, with 14 guaranteed contracts, a partially-guaranteed Joe Johnson – who seems destined to make the roster – and a non-guaranteed Christian Wood, who has shined through two preseason games.

It’s hard not to read into the situation but Wood has scored 24 points on 7-of-11 shooting in 28 minutes through the first two preseason games, easily outplaying Thon Maker. Wood is also second in the NBA with a 38.6 Player Efficiency Rating. It seems he’s playing his way onto the final roster.

In terms of trade assets, the Pistons have to consider if they want to keep four or five big men on the roster. Given Blake Griffin‘s injury history, it could be easy to keep Wood and Maker with Andre Drummond starting at center and Markieff Morris as another big. Or perhaps they acquire one of the Knicks’ many power forwards in a deal.

Then there is the issue of undersized point guards/wings. Reggie Jackson, Derrick Rose and Tim Frazier all seem to have a secure spot, though if trading for a point guard, it’s possible Frazier is a part of a deal. But Langston Galloway and Khyri Thomas are both 6-foot-3 or shooter, which isn’t ideal defensively.

After signing Joe Johnson, the Pistons put themselves in a position where they’d have to make a move before the season begins, even if it’s a simple cut. Thomas struggled in his rookie season and hasn’t seen much playing time through the first two preseason games. Maker has been underwhelming, Galloway has shot the ball well but has shown inconsistencies and Wood has been a monster.

Let’s take a look at what Ntilikina could bring to the Pistons before diving into possible trade scenarios.