Detroit Pistons: One NBA Draft trade with every team in the Central

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Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2022 NBA Draft is approaching and the Detroit Pistons own the 5th pick overall.

They fell two spots from their pre-lottery position, which was disappointing, but Troy Weaver and the Pistons can still walk away with an impact player who could be part of their long-term core. Having Cade Cunningham helps, as they can just take the best player available and not worry about fit.

There is also a chance they will trade the pick, as the 2022 NBA Draft is top-heavy with three guys who are considered a tier above the rest, and beyond that opinions are all over the place on how the rest of the lottery will go.

This could lead to a number of trades in the first round, as teams might feel they can trade back, pick up an asset and still get a guy they like later in the draft.

Related Story. Could the Detroit Pistons trade up in the NBA Draft?. light

Today we’ll take a look at potential NBA Draft day trades with the Central Division. These are obviously just hypotheticals, not things I expect to happen (and really just for some fun in the slow season), but it will give you an idea of what is out there and the wealth of moves the Detroit Pistons could make.

Detroit Pistons: 2022 NBA Draft trade with the Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks have as many as six players who could hit the market this offseason, and could be facing some serious roster churn without a lot of ways to improve.

The Bucks will be looking to shed some payroll, and this minor trade would help a bit:

This is hardly a blockbuster but might hold some interest for both teams.

Why Milwaukee would do it: Connaughton has a player option for next season, so would have to opt-in for this to work. The Bucks may not see him as a part of the future plans and could avoid paying him the $5.7 million he is owed next season. If they don’t plan to extend him, it makes sense to dump him without taking back any salary.

Why Detroit would do it: The Pistons desperately need shooting and Connaughton can shoot. The 29-year-old hit 39.5 percent of his 3-point shots this season on over five attempts per game, which would be nice coming off the bench. If the Bucks wanted some point guard depth, the Pistons could throw in Saben Lee as well.