Proposed trade that sees the Detroit Pistons as buyers at the deadline

Detroit Pistons: Keldon Johnson could be a trade target

I’m not sure if this is the exact package that Weaver could put together to get Johnson out of San Antonio. But, I do think that it can be something similar.

If Nerlens Noel is sent to San Antonio, they’d likely buy him out shortly after, opening up some space on their books while getting out of their four-year commitment to Johnson.

The first-round pick is the piece that the Spurs would covet, and may need to be adjusted to a lighter protection or fully unprotected to get Johnson in return. They may also ask for multiple firsts in exchange, which could be too rich for Detroit.

An added second-round pick or two gives the Spurs flexibility in future deals, which I’d assume they would ask for to give up one of their young pieces.

Three second-round picks just got upcoming restricted free agent Rui Hachimura out of Washington, so this seems in line with the market.

Johnson’s four-year extension makes him much more valuable on the trade market, bringing back at least one first if San Antonio was to deal him.

Johnson is an interesting name to keep an eye on for the Detroit Pistons. He’d fit into the young core, and takes some free agency work off of Weaver’s hands this upcoming summer, acquiring a player with upside who would be under contract for years to come.