The Detroit Pistons are likely to move a couple of their veterans at the trade deadline, but they could also be buyers if the price is right.
Free agents rarely flock to Detroit, so the Pistons have to figure out clever ways to get leverage on players who might be a fit.
One way to do that is to trade for restricted free agents in the final year of their deal so that they get their Bird Rights and have a much better chance of keeping them around.
One such player is Josh Hart, a shooting guard for the New Orleans Pelicans who could find himself on the trading block.
The Pelicans did not extend Hart in the offseason, so he is due to be a free agent and may have priced them out of his team’s long-term plans.
But should the Detroit Pistons be interested?
Detroit Pistons: Josh Hart could blow up in Detroit
Like Jerami Grant, Josh Hart fits the profile of a guy who could make a big leap in an expanded role. He is currently coming off the bench for the Pelicans and is still one of the top rebounding guards in the game, but he could be much more.
Hart is good in transition, can defend multiple positions and has shown a better 3-point shot than he has had this season in New Orleans.
Because they are loaded with young talent, he is not asked to do much more than shoot 3-pointers, rebound and defend but Hart could be a 15-20 point scorer in the right system, has good size for a two-guard and is often asked to play out of position in New Orleans.
All of that could add up to him being even better than advertised, but does he fit in Detroit?
Detroit Pistons: Josh Hart fits in with Detroit’s culture
If Josh Hart were a Piston, he would be a fan favorite, as he is a hustler, defender and relentless rebounder, especially for a shooting guard.
He would be a nice fit with Killian Hayes and give the Pistons a huge backcourt with defensive versatility.
He comes out of Villanova, so is very familiar with rookie Saddiq Bey and the two could be a wrecking crew defensively on the perimeter, especially with Jerami Grant.
This would give the Pistons a very long, athletic and versatile team defensively and would improve their 3-point shooting from the 2-guard spot.
Hart is due for a raise but would still be in the Pistons’ range and would fit the timeline of their young players. A guy like Josh Hart could actually speed up the rebuild, and if the Pistons added impact talent in the draft, could find themselves in the hunt for the playoffs as soon as next season.
Hart fits the profile of a guy Troy Weaver would like, and if the Pistons can get him for a future draft pick and an expiring contract, they should consider it, as he would be a good long-term fit.