The Detroit Pistons are hopefully at the point of their rebuild when they stop trying to acquire high draft picks and start trying to make the playoffs.
With new head coach Monty Williams and an impressive coaching staff in place, Detroit could be ready to make that pivot towards being competitive.
Troy Weaver probably isn’t going to go “all-in” this summer, as the team is not quite there, but he will definitely try to add some impact talent in free agency and trades and use the #5 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft to either land another young talent or as a piece in a trade.
There is one name floating around the trade rumor mill that is generating some amount of buzz even though it seems like a long shot that he’ll be moved.
The super high risk, high reward trade for the Pistons
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic (SUBSCRIPTION), the New Orleans Pelicans are considering trading Zion Williamson and are targeting draft prospect Scoot Henderson, who was reportedly very impressive in recent workouts.
I can hear the groans from here.
Zion definitely hasn’t enamored himself to fans and basketball junkies since being drafted #1 overall, as he has flashed otherworldly talent at times but barely played. After another offseason filled with off-the-court drama (of the baby mama variety) the Pelicans may have finally had enough of waiting around for their alleged superstar to actually turn into one.
I used to cover the Pels, so I know all of the arguments against Zion Williamson, and exactly how frustrating he can be. I know exactly how many games he’s missed, the physical issues, the immaturity and all of the other red flags that come with one of the most polarizing players in the game.
But I also know the talent.
So bear with me for a minute while we consider whether the Detroit Pistons should have any interest in trading for the league’s most frustrating player.