Detroit Pistons: A wild and expensive way to net a 1st-round pick

Detroit Pistons: Trading for Ben Simmons would be super risky

This is more of a theoretical discussion than anything that has been contemplated by either team, as the Detroit Pistons and the rest of the league would likely run away from any trade that involved Simmons.

But what if the Detroit Pistons could unload Bagley III and net a pick from the deal? Would it be worth a flyer on Simmons and his awful contract, which is clearly the worst in the NBA at this point?

Ben Simmons is no longer the coveted budding-superstar he was when he shared top billing in Philadelphia with Joel Embiid. His motor has been questioned ad nauseum and he doesn’t exactly have the look of the blue collar hard hat type that the Motor City fans typically embrace. What he does have going for him is defensive player of the year potential as evidenced by his 2nd place finish in 2021.

When Troy Weaver first began to share his vision for the Detroit Pistons with the media, it was clear that he wanted length, and he wanted athletes. Weaver wanted players who could defend multiple positions on the basketball court, which is a talent shared by many of the players he’s drafted: from Killian Hayes-to Isaiah Stewart-to Cade Cunningham. The defense hasn’t come together how Weaver envisioned it but there is still hope. Cunningham will make a difference whenever his shin allows it. Detroit’s highly touted rookies have at least shown the athleticism needed to make some plays on that end of the floor. Ivey gets his share of steals, and Duren gets his blocks.

Might Simmons be the defensive lynchpin that holds it altogether? He won’t shoot much but he facilitates the ball well so he might be a net positive with this group despite his lack of shooting. Something of a shrinking violet thus far in his career, Detroit might be a better environment for him than either Brooklyn or Philadelphia. He could play backup center and would be a defensive upgrade over MBIII, and the Pistons could reap a 1st-round pick for taking on his contract, a pick far enough down the road that the Nets could be rebuilding themselves.

Even if they never used it, the Detroit Pistons could benefit from having another first-round pick that they could trade in future deals for another impact player.

Many fans wouldn’t touch Simmons with a ten foot pole, but there is still a world of potential there, which makes this an interesting theoretical. Put down the pitchforks, it’s never going to happen, but if Detroit could unload MBIII and pick up a draft asset, it would at least be worth pausing before hanging up the phone.