The Detroit Pistons have been building their young core and have reached a point when it is time to try to make the play-in tournament to get the roster used to the atmosphere and competitive nature of meaningful games.
The Pistons’ biggest issue with their current roster is their lack of floor spacing, especially if they plan to use Isaiah Stewart as their starting power forward instead of upgrading in free agency.
The Pistons have already taken some flyers on shooters that are unlikely to make the roster, but could they try and trade for a guy with a more proven track record from behind the 3-point line?
Detroit Pistons: Could Grayson Allen be a trade target?
I’d be lying if I didn’t immediately think Detroit when watching Grayson Allen play during his four-year college career. He felt like a Bad Boy at times, and ended up as one of the most hated college basketball players in recent memory.
Allen an elite shooter from three-point range as he has shot over 39 percent from three for his career, potentially covering up some of the Pistons’ issues with space and shooting.
Allen has a bit of ability to drive off the dribble and pass the rock, but he’d benefit the Detroit Pistons most as a shooter who can knock down the open shots that Cade Cunningham creates.
What would a trade for Grayson Allen look like for the Detroit Pistons?
There have been rumblings that the Bucks will look to move Allen after his sub-par performance against the Celtics. The Bucks also drafted two guards, including MarJon Beauchamp, who profiles as a good perimeter defender, an area where Allen struggled against Boston.
The Bucks have a top-heavy payroll with three max players making over $32 million each and Brook Lopez at $13 million. Allen will make $9.6 next season and $10.3 million the season after, and the Bucks may want to get that money off their books so they can upgrade their roster at positions of need and add more depth overall.
The Pistons have the cap space to absorb his contract without sending an equal one in return, so could offer the Bucks some cap relief this season and allow them to open up another $10 million slot the season after.
The Bucks can’t take on salary, so coming up with a trade that would work for both teams is tricky. A player like Kelly Olynyk would be a nice fit on the Bucks, as he too can spread the floor and gives them more C/F depth.
The problem is that the Bucks can’t take him on without shedding another contract or two. Would Cory Joseph and a couple of second-round picks be enough for Allen?
This would save the Bucks around $5 million in cap space this season, which will be the final of CoJo’s contract.
Allen’s availability will likely come down to what other moves the Bucks make this offseason, and whether they need to clear some cap space to make an impact move to add more talent and depth around Giannis Antetokounmpo, but he is a name for the Detroit Pistons to monitor.