2022 NBA Draft: The 2 players the Detroit Pistons might trade up to get

Detroit Pistons’ targets in the 2022 NBA Draft: Trading up for Paolo Banchero

Paolo Banchero

Although Banchero is expected to go in the top-three, Oklahoma City is a wildcard, and Houston is one of the franchises that has been linked to Ivey. According to several reports, including one from ESPN’s Johnathan Givony, Houston is intrigued by the idea of an ultra-athletic backcourt pairing of Jalen Green and Jaden Ivey. After a tumultuous season in Houston, filled with inconsistencies, Kevin Porter Jr.’s future remains murky. Drafting Ivey would be one of the first, legitimate steps in constructing the Rockets’ roster of the future, and would cement the Rockets’ backcourt for the next era.

If Houston chooses Ivey ahead of Banchero, Grant could be the deciding factor between the Pistons landing one of the coveted top-three draft prospects. If the Kings were interested in Grant as another piece to their quest in fulfilling their playoff aspirations next season, the Detroit Pistons could end up with the chance to pick at four. While Banchero isn’t as highly regarded in some circles, the forward’s game is built to thrive in today’s league, and his feel for the game, size, and shooting ability could make him a lethal option at the next level.

For the Kings, Grant’s arrival could be the missing link between Fox, Sabonis, Mitchell, and the rest of their core, and would certainly make them one of the favorites to compete for a play-in spot next season. For the Pistons, drafting Banchero would fill a positional need, add another premium talent to Detroit’s youthful frontcourt, and possibly give the Pistons a cornerstone talent alongside their franchise player, Cade Cunningham.

Although the Detroit Pistons are set to pick at five, there’s always a chance for change in draft orders. If by some chance the Pistons acquire the fourth pick, Banchero or Ivey could be the reason.