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Pistons draft: The pros and cons of trading the number one pick

By Aaron Kellerstrass

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver speaks during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Cade Cunningham (2) shoots. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /

Detroit Pistons: Pros and Cons of trading down in the NBA Draft

Pro: If the Detroit Pistons were to trade the number one pick, they would almost certainly only do so if they were offered a massive haul in return. Let’s say the team with the number two or three pick REALLY wanted Cade Cunningham, the Pistons might be able to pick up 2-3 extra first-round picks for moving down.

Troy Weaver had one of the best drafts in franchise history last season, grabbing Killian Hayes, Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart and Saben Lee, all who look like locks to be a part of the future core.

The man has an eye for talent and might be able to get the guy he wants and pick up a few extra picks along the way. What if the Pistons could get three quality players in this draft instead of just one?

light. Related Story. Old school, modern and Pistons: 3 player comparisons for Bey and Stewart

What if Weaver thinks someone like Jalen Green or Jalen Suggs will be the best player in the draft? Could he pick up a load of assets and get the guy he wants anyway? These are fair questions.

Con: Do you really want to be the team that passed up a generational superstar for the chance at more draft picks? If the Pistons traded the chance to draft Cade Cunningham and he ends up becoming the next superstar of the league, it’s a move they could regret for a decade. Even if the players they got in return were very good, if Cunningham is better they will always have that hanging over them. Imagine if the Cavaliers had traded the chance to draft LeBron James and instead traded the pick for Dwyane Wade and three extra first-round draft picks. Even though Wade is a Hall-of-Famer himself, the Cavs would forever be known as the team that passed on LeBron. Cunningham is not the sure-fire superstar that LeBron was, but the Pistons don’t want to be that team.

If Troy Weaver were to trade that pick, he had better hope he’s right or it will be the thing that goes on his tombstone.