The Detroit Pistons hope to compete in the loaded Eastern Conference this season, but in reality may be a season or two away from really doing so.
They are one of the youngest teams in the NBA, but do have some veterans in Cory Joseph, Nerlens Noel, Alec Burks, Bojan Bogdanovic and maybe even Hamidou Diallo, who could interest contending teams at the trade deadline if Detroit has fallen out of contention.
If Detroit were to unload some of these guys eventually, they would be looking for draft compensation or young developmental players to add to their pipeline of talent, potentially targeting players who have talent but may not get a chance to show it on the team that they are on.
Here are six guys who fall into that category, as they are on good teams, may not get a ton of playing time and could be moved for depth as their teams try to make a run into the playoffs.
Detroit Pistons: Possible trade targets from contending teams
Jalen Johnson: Atlanta Hawks
The Pistons don’t have enough athleticism or forward depth, and Johnson is a 6-foot-9, athletic combo forward who isn’t likely to get much run in a competitive Hawks’ front court.
His 3-point shooting is suspect, but he’s effective around the rim and can defend, so he might be worth a look if the Hawks put him on the market.
Coby White: Chicago Bulls
It seems like White’s name has been mentioned in trade rumors for years, but if the Bulls backcourt is fully healthy, he could be shopped again this season.
The Pistons need perimeter scorers who can shoot the 3-ball and White hit 38.5 percent from 3-point range last season. White is still only 22-years-old and would give the Pistons another shooter who is a good fit with Killian Hayes in the second unit backcourt.
He’s on the final year of his deal, so expect him to be shopped as soon as Lonzo Ball comes back.
Peyton Watson: Denver Nuggets
Peyton Watson was one of the biggest mysteries of the 2022 NBA Draft, as he didn’t do much at UCLA, but has all of the physical tools to be a great defender.
He’s likely never going to get the chance on the Nuggets, who are firmly in “win now” mode, so they could use him as a trade chip to a team that had a veteran who could help them now.
This would be a low floor/high ceiling type of move for Detroit, who need more versatile, athletic defenders on the wing.
Patrick Baldwin Jr.: Golden State Warriors
Baldwin Jr. was a guy I really liked heading into the 2022 NBA Draft, but like Watson, he’s not likely to get much playing time for the defending champions. He’s another big forward with great length, but unlike Watson, he can actually shoot, which is something the Pistons need.
If the Warriors want to add depth, Baldwin Jr. will be one of their better young trade pieces at the deadline, as he’s a guy a lot of teams were hoping would fall to the second round.
Jaden Springer: Philadelphia 76ers
Jaden Springer barely played for the 76ers in his rookie season, and he’s not likely to get much run with them this year either, as they have a loaded backcourt and want to win right now.
He’s a combo guard, which is not a position of need for the Detroit Pistons, but he can shoot, which is something they definitely need, especially if they eventually move on from veteran Alec Burks.
Keon Johnson- Portland Trail Blazers
Johnson’s time with the Trail Blazers could end this season if they decide to try and add more depth at the trade deadline.
Johnson is another guy I liked coming out of college as an athletic guard with good size who can defend. He did play 22 games with the Blazers last season and shot a decent percentage from 3-point range, so has some upside as a 3-and-D guy with good athleticism.
There will be plenty of other developmental players to hit the trade market this season, and if the Detroit Pistons are out of it, expect them to be active moving their veterans in an attempt to get more young talent.