Should the Pistons attempt this sign-and-trade with Charlotte?

Should the Pistons attempt this sign-and-trade with Charlotte?

PJ Washington is certainly not a star, but he’s still just 24-years-old and would give the Pistons a real power forward who can also play some small-ball five.

Washington is a better outside shooter than Bagley III and also a better defender, so he’s a better fit and would allow Detroit to just play their young centers at their natural positions. Washington would allow for a lot of lineup possibilities, as the Pistons could go small or big in different situations.

On paper, Washington is a fit, but there are a lot of other factors.

The first is his pay day, as the Pistons do not want to get stuck overpaying for a role player, which is what they’d be doing if Washington’s next deal is close to the 4 years/$74 million that he wants.

If he was closer to the 4 years/$54 million that Charlotte wants to pay him, Washington could be a value, but $18+ million a year is a lot for a guy like him considering Detroit has big contract extensions for their young players looming.

Detroit would be trading all of their financial flexibility for a guy who is a fit but probably won’t move the needle that much. Yes, they’d be getting off Bagley III and better balancing their roster, but it would be at a cost that might not be worth it, considering they’d have to take on an extra two years of money to do it.

In the end, the Pistons should probably stay the course and wait for a trade that clearly makes them better if they are going to splash out on a four year deal.