It seems like the Detroit Pistons have been linked to just about every trade rumor out there, including a recent one for the Raptors’ Normal Powell.
Jake Fischer at Bleacher Report named Detroit as one of several teams that have “interest” in Powell, though there is no indication any type of deal is imminent.
The Pistons have reportedly had “interest” in just about everyone, as Troy Weaver and his team are clearly doing their due diligence on any player who might be available.
The Detroit Pistons have been linked to Victor Oladipo and apparently shot down a deal that would have sent Saddiq Bey to Sacramento for Marvin Bagley. I don’t know why the Kings thought that was a possibility but they need to sniff around elsewhere.
But if there is one thing I have learned from my many trade deadlines, it’s that smoke doesn’t mean fire, and “interest” doesn’t really mean a team is interested.
Normal Powell is an interesting player though, as he has been very good this season, is on a reasonable deal and the Pistons might be able to get him without giving up too much.
But does such a move even make sense?
Detroit Pistons: Does trading for Norman Powell make sense?
Before we get into what a trade could look like, let’s try to answer this question. Powell is nearly 28-years-old, so doesn’t really fit with the Pistons’ timeline.
He is also likely to turn down his player option for next season, making him a free agent who will be looking for a raise. That’s strike two.
But there are some things to like, as Powell is a 19.5 ppg scorer who shoots 43 percent from long range on 6.5 attempts per game.
He has been a Pistons’ killer so it would be nice to see him in a friendly uniform. It would also be nice to make Toronto worse, as the Pistons own their second-round pick this year.
There are obviously some pros and cons but what would it take to get Powell?
Detroit Pistons: Trading for Normal Powell
Powell has been very good this season and some contender could probably use him more than the Detroit Pistons since they are a rebuilding team.
But the Pistons do need scoring and 3-point shooting, so there is a fit, but if there is a bidding war for Powell, I can’t imagine the Pistons would win. Here is an offer they would probably be comfortable with:
In this trade, the Raptors get a young project player to develop in their legendary system, a second-round pick to replace the one they owe the Pistons, an expiring contract in Wayne Ellington and Rodney McGruder, a guy who can contribute off the bench at a discount.
They would save some future cap space, get a young talent and stop Powell from walking away for nothing, which he is likely to do at the end of the season.
There might be a team that would offer more for Powell, and if so, the Pistons should definitely walk away, as this would be the absolute most they could give up for a guy of Powell’s age and contract situation.
Some fans might say this is already too much and they might be right. So would the Pistons consider such a deal?
Detroit Pistons: Would the Pistons trade for Norman Powell?
Fist off, it’s my opinion that Troy Weaver was probably just getting an idea of what the Raptors might want if he did in fact inquire about Powell.
It’s also possible that the Raptors just leaked this information to make it appear there were more teams involved to try and start a bidding war.
The only way I can really see this happening is if Weaver believes his team will be good sooner rather than later. They need scoring and 3-point shooting from the two-guard spot and Powell could provide it.
He is a tough player who would fit in with the Pistons’ culture and would solve a lot of their scoring problems in the starting lineup.
He would also give them more depth, as Delon Wright could be moved to the bench or traded and he wouldn’t block or interfere with the minutes of any young players.
But giving up on Doumbouya could be a mistake, especially if the Raptors turned him into another Pascal Siakam. The Pistons would also be giving up some of their draft capital, albeit only a second-round pick, but still, for a rebuilding team every pick matters.
Powell fills a need and fits the roster but might be too costly to trade for, especially considering he’ll be seeking a new contract at at 28 that will give him a significant raise from the $10 million or so he is owed next season.
It’s an interesting trade idea, but probably not one Detroit will realistically pursue. But you never know with Troy Weaver, as he has an eye for undervalued talent and may think Powell can thrive in Detroit and be a good teammate for their young players.