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.
Grade the trade: Pistons’ pragmatism underwhelms
Trade #1: Pistons receive Joe Harris and two second-round picks from the Nets in exchange for nothing
The Detroit Pistons were given two second-round picks to take on the $20 million expiring contracts of Joe Harris, who is still one of the league’s best pure shooters, but definitely on the downside of his career.
He does fill a need, so from that perspective he’s a nice veteran addition. They aren’t bringing him on to be a starter (which is why comparing his contract to Cam Johnson’s is asinine) and aren’t beholden to him long term.
The deal gives them a big expiring contract that could be very valuable at the trade deadline as some teams look to shed salary in a trade. The Pistons aren’t stuck paying him for very long, so it’s best to just think of Harris as a future $20 million in cap space. Whatever he provides in terms of on-the-court value is really just gravy.
So it was a pragmatic move that retains Detroit’s financial flexibility while adding a veteran who can help them.
I get that.
But it seems like Detroit should have been rewarded a little more than two second-round picks to take on $20 million, especially when the Nets were desperate to get rid of Harris and needed that money to make an offer to Cam Johnson. It seems like Detroit should at least gotten a protected first-round pick for $20 million given the situation.
So while I understand the financial pragmatism, and that he fills a need, Detroit was underpaid for the service they provided the Nets.
Grade: C-
Grade the trade: Pistons’ pragmatism underwhelms
Trade #2: Pistons trade a second-round pick to the Wizards for Monte Morris
Fans were so caught up in the fact that the Pistons used most of their cap space to take on Joe Harris that they sort of missed the fact that the trade for Morris was a huge steal for Detroit.
Morris is a good player in his prime, fills a need as a solid backup point guard and very good 3-point shooter and is another guy on an expiring deal.
So just looking at the financial side, these two players represent very tradable contracts worth nearly $30 in cap space that Detroit can use to make a big trade at some point in the future.
But unlike Harris, Morris is still very good, and should immediately take over the primary backup point guard role or at least make Killian Hayes beat him out for it, which is the type of competition for minutes Detroit has lacked on the bench.
Morris just 28-years-old, is originally from Michigan and was very happy to be coming to Detroit, something you can’t say for every player who has been traded to the Motor City. I’d love for the Pistons to extend him on a team-friendly deal and keep him, as Morris adds value to any team.
Either he’s another expiring the Pistons can add to the pile to make a big trade or he’s their backup point guard for years to come. Either way, this one was a much clearer win for Detroit with financial benefits as well as on-the-court improvement.
Grade: B+