Grading Dunc’d On’s mock trade involving Detroit Pistons’ Derrick Rose

The Grades

The Detroit Pistons: A-

The Detroit Pistons get an A- because they get three valuable young assets. They’re short on second-rounders as they don’t have any valuable ones in the next three drafts. This move replenishes their asset pool in a flexible way and puts player development as a priority.

That’s the way the Pistons should take. Plus, I’m really high on Smith. He’s a high-IQ, late-bloomer that could fulfill his high ceiling. Buying low on these kinds of players is exactly how the Pistons can acquire high potential talent with smaller moves.

Smith could easily become a good wing defender that can space the floor some and be a secondary ball handler. Anything more than that is a bonus.

Even if he doesn’t pan out, his skill set makes him a good fit for any team. He’s an easily tradable player that can only gain value with time. A good investment.

They don’t get an A+ because they didn’t manage to get a first for Rose. However, his trade market is very dependent on what the Lakers will do at the deadline. They’re the only other suitor that has a major incentive to give up significant assets.

With the Lakers involved, Kyle Kuzma would be on the table. That would drive up Rose’s value which could potentially lead to getting a higher offer from another team. There has to be a bidding war for the Pistons to get a better offer than what the 76ers are offering in this exercise.

Having said that, I would still prefer this deal compared to getting Kuzma. While he is a nice player that could grow into a good scorer, he doesn’t do the little things that wings are required to do these days.

Developing Smith and taking a couple of shots at early second-round prospects seems like a better move. However, if there are other teams interested, the Pistons could pressure the 76ers into giving up more or better assets.

The Philadelphia 76ers: A

The Philadelphia 76ers get an A because they manage to get an elite sixth man on a value contract without giving up any of their rotation pieces or first round picks. They can use those pieces to add another bench piece.

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The Philadelphia 76ers have four draft picks this year, one of which is the Oklahoma City Thunder 2020 first rounder, and three picks next year. They definitely don’t want to add that many rookies to their roster.

But they can always use them for another move or trade them on draft night. The Pistons don’t have leverage here unless another team comes raising the price, which is why I didn’t give them a lower grade.

The only reason the 76ers don’t get an A+ is the context of the situation. No other teams were willing to beat their initial offer, which is why they managed to get Rose at such a low price. The trade itself is a great deal for them.

In any case, It’s a good deal for both sides and the crew of the Dunc’d On Basketball Podcast has done a great job of simulating the trade deadline so far. In the next episode, they should be able to come up with other Pistons deals as well.