Detroit Pistons: Three potential trades for Khyri Thomas

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: Khyri Thomas #13 of the Detroit Pistons in action against the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2019 Summer League at the Cox Pavilion on July 10, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 10: Khyri Thomas #13 of the Detroit Pistons in action against the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2019 Summer League at the Cox Pavilion on July 10, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 10: Khyri Thomas #13 of the Detroit Pistons in action against the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2019 Summer League at the Cox Pavilion on July 10, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 10: Khyri Thomas #13 of the Detroit Pistons in action against the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2019 Summer League at the Cox Pavilion on July 10, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

The Detroit Pistons have finally decided to keep Christian Wood and they are exploring Khyri Thomas trades to be able to keep Joe Johnson. Here are some possible trades the Pistons could make.

The Detroit Pistons don’t seem to be very happy with Khyri Thomas. It was very odd to see Thomas receiving so few minutes in the preseason, a time of the year that coaches use to see as many different lineups and players as possible.

He played 12 total minutes in three of the five games the Pistons played. That’s three more minutes than Donta Hall. This is very conspicuous and of course, raised some questions about Thomas’ future with the franchise.

Then, people started wondering if Khyri Thomas could be moved even before the season starts. The original dilemma for the final roster spot was between Christian Wood and Joe Johnson. Now, it seems like the Pistons are set on Wood and really appreciate what Johnson brings to the locker room. We know that far.

Maneuvering could mean just cutting Joe Johnson, but that’s not much of a maneuver, is it?
Haynes may have used the wrong word here or the Pistons are actively trying to open up a roster spot and Khyri Thomas seems like a prime target.

He’s easy to trade if you just want to get rid of him. The problem is that the Pistons spent two second-round picks to get him. Spending those assets just to keep 38-year old Joe Johnson seems like a major loss for the organization.

Trading up for Thomas was one of the first moves the new front office made. Cutting ties with him in favor of Johnson would be a very bad look for them, so they’d try to get something back and spin this as a win. So let’s dive in and look into potential deals.