Jalen Smith could be interesting trade target for the Detroit Pistons

How Jalen Smith would fit on the Detroit Pistons

Smith’s fit on the Pistons would largely depend on what they gave up to get him.

If Smith was part of a package for Jerami Grant, then he could slide in at the four, or possibly even the five in some lineups.

If Grant wasn’t part of the trade (which is extremely unlikely given the value of the Pistons’ other trade pieces) then Smith is the backup power forward or center.

We’ve talked a lot about how badly the Pistons need another big, especially one who can protect the rim and catch a lob, which Smith should be able to do.

I also like his potential as a stretch four beside Cade Cunningham, who could use a big who can shoot from distance to create space. Smith would be able to get the reps he needs to develop on the Pistons, which he is probably never going to get with the Suns, who are competing for a title.

Smith is the right age, isn’t going to command a huge salary in free agency, and the Pistons will have the money next offseason to re-sign him if things work out.

It would be a low risk/high reward move for the Detroit Pistons, who should be willing to take flyers on young high-ceiling talent that didn’t pan out for other teams, as it is the best way to get value for a team that is not a free-agent destination.