Pistons trade rumors: Pros and cons of trading for Victor Oladipo

Detroit Pistons: Would Victor Oladipo fit in Detroit?

Pro: Victor Oladipo is a tough, defensive-minded player who would fit right in with the culture the Pistons are trying to build.

He’s not a great 3-point shooter but does just about everything else well. He can play and defend both guard spots, is a proven 20 points per game scorer and is a good rebounder, passer and defender.

He is still just 28-years-old and could be another veteran presence along with Jerami Grant, who could help take the Detroit Pistons to the next level.

This team is not far from being good, and adding a guy like Oladipo, along with impact talent in the draft, could be enough to get the Pistons into the playoffs as soon as next season. Considering they would still be one of the youngest teams in the NBA, another season of rebuilding may not be necessary.

Con: What type of salary is Oladipo likely to get as a free agent? if the Pistons traded for him they would have his Bird Rights, but would he even be interested in staying? The Pistons would not only have to have some assurance that he would actually want to re-sign in Detroit but also what it would take to retain him.

Oladipo is currently making $21 million and might be looking for a similar deal to finish out his career. Would the Pistons be willing to go that high? It would eat up a lot of salary cap and Oladipo may not be worth it for a team that would be on the fringes of the playoffs either way.

There is a lot to like about Oladipo’s fit as a player in Detroit’s culture but only if he is on a relatively team-friendly deal and that might not be possible.