4 Centers the Detroit Pistons should trade for right now

The Detroit Pistons are one of the surprise teams of the Eastern Conference this season, in 7th place after 16 games. 

This isn’t a championship roster, but the Pistons could at least make the play-in in the East, convey the pick they’ve owed forever and finally start to build towards a real playoff contender next season with a little big-game experience under their collective belts. 

It would be silly for the Pistons to do anything too drastic after a 7-9 start, but I can’t be the only one who has major concerns about Jalen Duren as the starting center moving forward. 

His defense has seemingly gotten worse this season and he is providing nothing but dunks on the offensive end. 

I thought Detroit needed more depth at center before the season and have been proven correct. Isaiah Stewart is fine, as he is playing well for a backup center, a role for which he is perfectly suited. 

Beef Stew is too much of a hothead, too small and fouls too much to be a full-time starter, but is great in a versatile big-man role off the bench. 

The Pistons either need to add a veteran who can defend at a high level or one that can provide something more on offense. 

Here are a range of centers they could trade for, from backups to upgrades that would cost them assets. 

Possible Pistons trade targets: Jonas Valanciunas 

Valanciunas was a confusing signing for the Washington Wizards, who are horrible and rebuilding around a young center in Alex Sarr, especially when they gave him a three years deal, though only two of them are fully guaranteed. 

Valanciunas has done his thing, averaging 12.5 points, 7.8 rebounds off the bench while shooting 56 percent from the floor and 40 percent from long range. 

He doesn’t shoot as many 3’s as he used to and isn’t a good defender in space, but he can do something neither of the Pistons centers can do, which is score. 

It’s not likely he’d cost much in terms of assets, and the Pistons have the money and roster spot to absorb his contract without sending one back. 

Nikola Vucevic 

If the Pistons had wanted Vucevic before the season, they could have had him, as the Bulls were desperate to get off the two years remaining on his deal. But after a red-hot start for Vooch, that may no longer be the case. 

He’s back to his All-Star form, averaging 20/10 while shooting an incredible 48 percent from long range on over four attempts per game. 

Given his salary, which is just over $20 million per season for the next two years, the Pistons would likely have to give up something of value to get him. 

They could send the Bulls Tim Hardaway Jr. and multiple second-round picks, but that might not be enough if Vooch keeps playing like this. 

We saw what he brings to the table last night, as Vucevic is an elite scorer from the center position and can spread the floor, which would be a weapon for Detroit. He can also block shots around the rim, though he wouldn’t help the Pistons problem of defending centers in space. 

Jakob Poeltl 

I’m sure Poeltl’s name is going to be mentioned a lot, as the Raptors are tanking with multiple key injuries and he’s gotten off to a great start. 

Poeltl is averaging 17 points and 12 rebounds while shooting 60 percent from the field and averaging 1.3 blocks per game. 

He’s not a floor spreader as a 3-point shooter, but he sets great screens, can hit a shot that isn’t a dunk, is good in the dribble handoff and is an excellent rim protector. 

Would THJ’s expiring contract and a first-round pick be enough to get it done, and if so, would the Pistons be interested? They are already down a first rounder but with so many young talented players on board do they really need more teenagers? 

Walker Kessler 

Dealing with Danny Ainge is probably not a smart idea, and he’s already made ridiculous demands for Kessler, who apparently is available, but at a steep cost of multiple first-round picks. 

The Pistons can’t do that, but they could send Utah a package based around Jalen Duren, a first and multiple seconds, which might tempt the Jazz, though I am leery about dealing with Ainge in any capacity.