Detroit Pistons: Is Delon Wright part of the future or trade bait?

Is Delon Wright trade bait?

Right before his injury, Wright’s name was being floated as a possible pickup for a contender.

Wright has playoff experience with Toronto and Dallas, and his ability to play the point or two-guard is also valuable to contenders.

Also, this is a year where a lot of teams are in contention to make the playoffs. That means it should be a sellers market, and Pistons fans know Weaver is always ready to listen to a good deal.

In terms of contract status, Wright is signed thru next year. He will be owed $8.5 million for the 2021-22 NBA season. So, if a team trades for him, it is not a short-term rental, they will be on the hook for his salary for the following season as well.

He got the three-year contract after the 2018-19 season, having played well for the Memphis Grizzlies. In the only other time in his career, besides Detroit, he has received major minutes, Wright averaged 12.7 points for the Grizz.

It appears Wright plays better the more minutes he receives. A team looking for just a 12-15 minute a game bench player maybe better off looking elsewhere.

But Wright should be healthy long before the trading deadline. In a sellers market, could the Pistons get a first-round pick for Wright? Maybe a lottery-protected one for 2021 or 2022?

If you are dealing Wright to a team like the 76ers, Nets or Lakers, it is pretty much a guaranteed first-rounder, as it would be shocking if any of them were in the lottery. Yes, it would be a low first-rounder, but, in case you haven’t noticed, the Pistons did pretty darn well with low first rounders in the past draft.

The nice thing is, Detroit would be dealing from a position of strength. The Pistons do not need to get rid of Wright. Coach Dwane Casey would be more than happy to keep Wright and have him help tutor the young point guards.