Grade the trade: Pistons land superstar in ESPN 3-team trade

With the 2023 NBA Draft lurking next week, trade rumors are heating up and the Detroit Pistons are at the heart of many of them.

The main focus is on the Pistons’ 5th pick, which they are reportedly shopping, but whether they are looking for established players or more draft assets is still up in the air.

With teams like the Trail Blazers, Rockets and Mavericks potentially trying to move their picks as well, we could see a wild draft with a whole lot of trades. I am preparing not to sleep much next week.

The New Orleans Pelicans shook things up a few days ago when it was revealed that they may be open to trading oft-injured superstar Zion Williamson for a high draft pick, specifically the 2nd pick so that they could draft Scoot Henderson.

This is all just speculation at this point, as it seems unlikely that the Pelicans would move on from Zion before his extension even kicks in, but they may be getting frustrated by all the missed games and off-the-court drama.

Should the Detroit Pistons pick up the phone? ESPN thinks so.

ESPN proposes Zion Williamson trade to Detroit Pistons

NBA insiders at ESPN came up with some Zion trades they’d like to see (SUBSCRIPTION) which included one for the Detroit Pistons.

I understand all of the caveats, disclaimers and red flags that come with Zion Williamson, as he has only played 114 games in four seasons and has yet to show that he can stay healthy or focused on the game.

The counter-argument for Detroit is that they have limited ways to land a player of his caliber, the upside would be huge and there are some safeguards in place that would protect the Pistons. Zion will be entering the first year of his max extension next season, but the Pelicans were smart enough to put in some clauses that give them an out if he misses too many games.

If it worked out, you have a top-10 player locked up into what will look like a relatively affordable contract once the cap goes up again. There are already players like Bradley Beal making more than Zion will in the final year of his deal. If he plays 60+ games per season, that contract could actually look like a bargain, and if he can’t stay on the floor, the Pistons would have an out clause.

This isn’t as cut and dry as saying “Zion can’t stay healthy,” and moving on. Detroit rarely gets chances to acquire MVP caliber players who are locked into a contract and only 22 years old, so if Zion comes on the market, they’d be foolish not to at least pick up the phone.

Here’s the 3-team deal ESPN came up with and our grade for it.