Detroit Pistons: Why turning down OKC’s NBA Draft trade was smart

Detroit Pistons: The Pistons could steal Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as a free agent

SGA is going to be a restricted free agent after next season, which means the Detroit Pistons might have a chance to get him anyway, in which case it would be far smarter to be patient.

The Pistons are going to have Blake Griffin’s money off the books next offseason and will have a ton of cap space to play around with.

Depending on where OKC feels they are in their rebuild, they might not want to match the offer the Pistons could make. Of course, if OKC is desperate to keep him, they can match any offer, but if they aren’t?

Also, what if SGA doesn’t want to stay in OKC? He could take the qualifying offer and become an unrestricted free agent the next season, in which case he could got to any team he wants.

My point is that there are ways for the Pistons to get SGA or a similar talent and still have Cade Cunningham, and since Detroit is still year or two away from serious contention, they’d be crazy to pass on a cheap, potential superstar.

The Pistons can have their cake and eat it, which is exactly what they should do. Draft Cade, let the season play out as it may, then use your cap space and suddenly VERY attractive young roster to get your second star in free agency.

It’s simple really.

There isn’t a Godfather offer out there that is going to move the Detroit Pistons, as it would be much smarter for them to just take Cade Cunningham and wait.