The Detroit Pistons started executing their off-season plan immediately, with Dwane Casey announcing he’s stepping down as head coach.
After Troy Weaver’s apology letter to fans, expect more changes to follow in the near future. Roster evaluation, free agency, and long term fit will be considered when making decisions this summer. If the organization decides to extend James Wiseman that could create a “Big” problem with a log jam at center, with no modern day power forwards on the roster.
Detroit Pistons: Is Marvin Bagley III on the trade block?
After re-signing last off-season Marvin Bagley III could be best utilized as a bargaining chip. Bagley and Wiseman have similarities in their game, Wiseman’s younger and considered to have the higher ceiling, making him the likely keeper. Capitalizing off Bagley’s relatively team-friendly deal (three years 37 million with two year remaining) and filling a roster need would only make sense.
A big who can score inside, catch lobs, and hit the occasional jumper is still a commodity even in today’s NBA. Since being acquired by the Pistons MBIII is averaging 12.8 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting 54.0 percent from the field in just 24.8 minutes per game. There’s several teams that could use his services, we’ll focus on three teams that benefit all parties involved.
Detroit Pistons: 3 realistic trade destinations for Marvin Bagley III
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks missed the playoffs this season, one year removed from the Western Conference Finals. From all reports, the writing is on the wall for veteran big man Christian Wood to flee in free agency. He averaged 16.6 points 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks on 51.5 percent shooting. Wood was by far the most productive big in Dallas. His departure will leave a bigger hole in a facet of the game that’s been their downfall all season.
With Wood the Mavericks ranked dead last in the league in points in the paint at just 42.8 per game. Another area of concern was their inability to produce second chance points, at 10.9 per game that’s second worst in the association only behind the Chicago Bulls.
Bagley could make an instant impact with Dallas, as he’s a natural scorer with an array of moves. Scoring in the paint is what he does best, averaging 8.0 points per game there, along with 2.8 second chance points. Those stats are both higher than Wood’s respectively, providing strength in the Mavericks’ weaknesses. Bagley would be a valuable asset for Dallas even if Wood had plans to stay, but since he’s likely bolting, Bagley could be their best option to bolster the interior. Dallas was already in need of more size, now they’ll be flat out desperate.
They’ll be shopping for a big man, and the trade market may be the best way to make that acquisition happen. If the Detroit Pistons did decide to part ways with Marvin Bagley III a return could provide depth on the wing. Tim Hardaway Jr. would likely be involved, the Mavericks would look shed his salary for the possible resigning of Kyrie Irving.
This would cost the Pistons some of their cap space, but be a way to get more shooting and balance their roster.
Hardaway Jr. hit 38.5 percent of his 3-point shots this season on over seven attempts per game and his salary actually goes down over the next two seasons. The Mavs get some help on the interior and cut payroll over the next two seasons.
Detroit Pistons: 3 realistic trade destinations for Marvin Bagley III
Washington Wizards
Kyle Kuzma is set to test the free agent market and the Detroit Pistons will be waiting. The Flint native is amongst the top free agents (assuming he declines his player option) and he’ll be getting a hefty bank deposit for his talents. The Washington Wizards can give him the most money, but he may decide it’s in his best interest to go elsewhere.
Washington seems to be headed towards the rebuild phase, although they’ve been trying to piece together a winning product. The Wizards shouldn’t make the mistake of letting a player of his caliber walk for free, so a sign and trade option would benefit them both.
He’s coming off a season where he averaged 21.2 points 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists as he enters his prime. A player boasting those type of numbers is worth shaking up the roster for. If the Pistons can lure him back home, the Wizards will be in no position to negotiate much of a deal. A team-friendly contract to help match money and a young player could get it done.
Marvin Bagley III and Killian Hayes along with draft compensation ( this year’s 2nd round pick, which is 31st overall) could be enough to get a deal done. Trading those contracts instead of outright signing Kuzma would allow the Pistons to pursue other free agent targets this off-season. Washington will get a solid player in Bagley and a young asset in Hayes for someone who already has one foot out the door.
Kuzma gets his big pay day, the Detroit Pistons get their modern day power forward, and the Wizards get their rebuild expedited. Bagley would be able to play next to Kristaps Porzingis, until they auction off all assets. While Hayes could provide an option at point guard when they blow things up.
Detroit Pistons: 3 realistic trade destinations for Marvin Bagley III
Houston Rockets
The Rockets are looking to make a jump next season, and adding some depth to their front court is a start in the right direction. The team could use improvements in several different areas although none were more noticeable than the pivot. An interior scorer like Bagley would be a major upgrade to their rotation.
Far too often the Rockets ran pick and roll action without a serviceable lob threat. Bagley can finish around the rim with a soft touch with enough bounce to climb the ladder if needed. He could be a vital piece to the pick and roll action, if he’s not catching lobs he’s creating vertical gravity for teammates to get shots.
Usman Garuba isn’t quite ready to contribute on a consistent basis, so adding Bagley would provide adequate depth off the bench. He could play with either of their other front court players, due to their ability to step outside and shoot. Marvin Bagley’s value to a team like Houston could provide multiple young assets.
If Troy Weaver can pry away a wing player it would balance out the roster of both teams. Trading a productive big to a team in dire need should come with a price tag. A ideal trade scenario would have to include JaeSean Tate’s contract.
Marvin Bagley III has definitely increased his trade value since joining the Detroit Pistons. He’s a big that can get two points playing off the action, or dump it down to him to get a easy basket. Troy’s always working the phones listening to what’s available doing his due diligence. The season is over, the games are over, now the real work begins. The front office of Detroit Pistons will be aggressive in their approach to restore the franchise. Changes to the roster are mandatory if they want to compete next season.