The Bucks are going to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo, and they’ve made it clear that draft picks are their top priority, which should get the attention of the Detroit Pistons.
According to insider Jake Fischer (subscription), the Bucks plan on having multiple picks in the 1st round of next week’s draft and are planning accordingly.
The Bucks have reportedly been prepping for “multiple ranges” of the draft, including a spot that could get the Pistons involved:
“League sources say that Milwaukee has very much been carrying itself like a franchise in recent days that expects to have the No. 13 selection as well as its own No. 10 pick. The Bucks, of course, can only make a selection at No. 13 if they acquire that pick from Miami as part of an Antetokounmpo trade.”
This news must have fans in Miami excited, as it appears they are the frontrunners to land Giannis, but there are bits of information in this report that could affect the Pistons.
The Pistons could get Tyler Herro for cheap
The Bucks seem more interested in draft picks than players, so if they don’t want to take on Herro’s $33 million expiring contract as part of the Giannis deal, they could flip him for extra draft capital.
This is where the Pistons could get involved with their 21st pick, which is why the “multiple ranges” comment is interesting.
If the Bucks are keen to move up in the draft, as reports suggest, amassing as many picks as they can get in the first round would make sense, as they might be able to package them in a deal to move up a few spots.
Milwaukee could also see the 21st pick as a way to take three swings in a deep draft where it’s almost certain a lottery talent will fall.
If the Pistons could land Herro for the cost of their pick and an expiring contract (I’m looking at you Caris LeVert) and a sweetener, it’s a deal they would at least have to consider.
The Bucks have signaled that they expect to have that Heat pick, which means the makings of a deal could already be in place.
The Pistons may not get a better chance to use a draft pick
The Pistons have the 21st pick, which is likely as high as they’ll be choosing in the next several years unless something goes wrong. Remember, they would have had the 28th pick if not for the swap they got from Minnesota in the Jaden Ivey trade.
That means this pick will be viewed as more valuable (especially in this draft class) than picks the Pistons can give up in 2027 and beyond.
On one hand, you might say the Pistons should try to hold onto this pick for that very reason, as it might be their best chance to add an impact young player via the draft, but on the other, it’s a trade chip that could help land them immediate help.
The Bucks are making their intentions clear. What’s not clear is if the Pistons have any interest in getting involved.
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