Detroit Pistons: 2 small trades to add bench shooting

Austin Rivers #25 of the Denver Nuggets looks on against the Detroit Pistons (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Austin Rivers #25 of the Denver Nuggets looks on against the Detroit Pistons (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
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Detroit Pistons
Josh Jackson #20 of the Detroit Pistons takes a shot against the Boston Celtics (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

It’s no secret that the Detroit Pistons are one of the worst shooting teams in the NBA. If the Pistons want to make a playoff push as soon as 2022, adding offensive weapons who can hit shots from deep is a must.

Adding a shooter in the draft is a viable option, but the transition from college to the NBA may take a few years. If time is of the essence, then the Pistons need to acquire NBA-level talent now. Honestly, Detroit is not a hot free agent destination, and the Pistons don’t really have the money to lure anyone. They also don’t have the talent. While a playoff spot is not far-fetched, a championship is, and with the importance placed on rings, many players want to join a winning team.

It seems like the starting lineup is set for the 2021-22 season. Adding a sixth man or some form of high output bench scoring should be a focal point of the offseason. No matter how good the starting five is, they need to rest and the Pistons need some talent to take over the bench.

Ideally, this newfound bench talent would be on the older side, as the Pistons need to pursue locker room presences. The Pistons are unlikely to make a blockbuster deal, but adding a smaller name could be an easy way to improve the second unit and boost team performance from beyond the arc.

Here are two trades that wouldn’t cost the Pistons much and could bring back a much-needed veteran shooter for the bench.