Could the Detroit Pistons trade up in the 2022 NBA Draft?

Detroit Pistons: A 2022 NBA Draft trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder

While I do think anything is on the table with Sam Presti and he could opt to trade back, I could also see the Thunder going the other way and trying to swing for the fences on a star player to add to a roster that already has some exciting young talent.

The Thunder could see this as a chance to get two impact players in the top-5 instead of one:

In this trade, the Thunder get Beef Stew and the 5th pick in exchange for the 2nd pick. Stewart may not be enough to move back three spots, and the Thunder would probably want an additional protected 1st-round pick as well.

The Pistons already owe the Thunder a pick, which could convey next season if the Pistons make a big leap and end up choosing 19-30 in the draft.

If the Pistons were to throw in another first-round pick, it might be enough of a sweetener, but Troy Weaver would have to be pretty sure the guy he was taking at number two was worth it, as that is a lot to give up to move up a few spots.

But if Jabari Smith were there, it would be tempting to add a 2023 top-5 protected first-round pick  to move up and get him, and the Thunder are in a position to remove the restrictions on the pick the Pistons already owe them.

From the OKC perspective, they may see not see Stewart as an upgrade from the young bigs they already have, though he does offer some different skills on defense. But Stewart and another future first round pick might get their attention.

I see this type of trade as unlikely, though like I said, Troy Weaver is not afraid to make bold moves when he has targeted his guy and Sam Presti has a million options with all of those picks.

There is also a scenario where the Pistons trade Jerami Grant to the Trail Blazers for the 7th pick and use both picks to move up, so moving Stewart is certainly not the only variable.