The Detroit Pistons got the offseason started with a whimper when they traded their cap space away for Joe Harris and Monte Morris.
Fans are understandably not happy, as we were continually told all season that “next year!” would finally be the one where the Pistons would stop collecting assets and try to put a coherent roster on the floor.
But when it became clear that none of the top guys were coming without a ridiculous overpay, Detroit pivoted to plan B, which was pragmatic, but hardly inspiring for fans coming off a 17-win season.
This is one of this situations where emotion can override logic, but let’s remember that “fan” is short for “fanatic” and respond accordingly.
Grade the trade: Pistons’ pragmatism underwhelms
Both trades make a lot of sense from a logical point of view, but in one of them it seems like Detroit could have done better.
And from the emotional perspective, I totally understand the fans who are unhappy with the progress this team has made and don’t believe these two trades will contribute to them getting better next season.
So these grades will try to balance logic with my inner fan screaming “ARRRRRRRRGH!” at the thought of Joe Harris trying to defend someone.
Let’s take a look at both trades individually.