Detroit Pistons: NBA Draft day trade with the Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are likely to lose Dennis Schroder in free agency, as he is reportedly seeking a deal in the $100-120 million range. Good luck with that Dennis!
Sorry, but Schroder is not that guy and the Lakers aren’t in a position to offer that much, so they could go after someone who replaces most of his production at a fraction of the cost.
This would require the Pistons to pick up Joseph’s team option, which is just over $12.5 million, which would be a fairly steep price to pay for the Lakers, which is why they are getting two second-round picks as well.
Joseph is no star, but he did average 12 points and 5.5 assists per game for the Pistons this season while showing an improved 3-point shot, which isn’t far off Schroder’s 15.4 points and 5.8 assists, especially considering Schroder was playing more minutes, had a bigger role and shot a lower percentage from long-range.
Jospeh would not only be cheaper for one season, but the Lakers would not be taking on any long-term money and would still have two 2nd-round picks to either use or try to package in another trade.
The Detroit Pistons move up in the draft and get the 22nd pick, which they could use to take a shooter to add to their young core.