2. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks reportedly expressed interest in Drummond in December which, in hindsight, should have tipped others off that the Pistons were open to moving him. Even then, Detroit still had some optimism towards the season, which now looks far more bleak.
Former Michigan Wolverines star Tim Hardaway Jr. is the easy connection to Detroit with a $20.2 million contract that makes matching salaries easy, especially since his deal expires ahead of the loaded 2021 free agent class. Though the Pistons should have their sights set on a different Mavericks forward – Dwight Powell.
The 28-year-old forward will make $11 million each of the next three seasons but has a good inside game and has shot 29.5% from 3-point range over his career. There has to be reasonable belief that Casey and his staff could bump that up even higher given Detroit’s success nailing three’s this season.
Powell is an attractive piece since he’s held the league’s highest offensive rating the previous two seasons. While teammates impact that and defensive box plus-minus, he’s also held a 1.5 DBPM over his career.
Jalen Brunson isn’t a throw-in. He’s a solid guard the Pistons can have hope for the future as he continues to develop. He’s improved as a passer in his second season, bumping his assist rate up from 22.6% as a rookie to 29.1% this season. As the 23-year-old continues to develop, he could help jump-start a Pistons rebuild.
Courtney Lee‘s expiring contract would help match Drummond’s salary. The long-time Detroit center would get to team up with his friend in Porzingis, providing rim protection and additional size to go against a rugged Western Conference.
One shortcoming of a deal is the Mavericks don’t have the luxury of trading first-rounders in the near future. Dallas holds its 2020 and 2022 first round picks but can’t trade either as a result of the Stepian rule, which doesn’t allow teams to trade picks in back-to-back rounds.
With that being a factor, the Pistons could possibly pry away one more asset, like Justin Jackson, rookie wing Isaiah Roby or Ryan Broekoff.