The Detroit Pistons could be one of the most interesting buyers at this year’s trade deadline. If they maintain their place as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, they could look to make some small-ball moves to improve the roster. And with the way Derrick Jones Jr. is shooting so far this year, he could be a perfect Pistons trade candidate.
Detroit shouldn’t want to hurt its defensive infrastructure. That’s what makes the Pistons special. So, if they do end up making a trade, they need to trade for a player who can hold his own on that side of the ball. Jones can definitely do that. And if he keeps up this three-point shooting, he could help the Pistons a ton on that end of the court as well.
By the time the trade deadline comes around in February, Jones could be a perfect Pistons trade target.
Derrick Jones Jr. is a potential Pistons trade target
The Pistons had a chance to make some big-time changes to their roster this summer. After finishing as the No. 1 seed in the East last year (but getting bounced in the second round of the playoffs), they could have capitalized.
Instead, they chose to bank on internal development. They traded Isaiah Stewart, let Tobias Harris Walk in free agency, and made smaller moves rather than chasing a big fish.
They traded for Isaiah Joe. They added John Collins. Smart, solid moves, but nothing crazy. They could try to do the same thing at the deadline this upcoming February.
Jones has been red-hot from beyond the arc this season. Through the Clippers’ first six games of the season, Jones has shot an impressive 52.0% from beyond the three-point arc on a career-high 4.2 attempts per contest.
On top of that, Jones is also a very versatile defender. He’s a freak athlete who hangs his hat on competing on the defensive end, capable of guarding multiple positions.
And Jones doesn’t make a ton of money. This season, he’s making $10.5 million. Plus, it’s an expiring contract. So, there’s really no risk involved in trading for him.
Detroit would have to combine some money in a deal to make it happen or trade a guy like Collins or Joe. The latter doesn’t seem likely, but perhaps they could choose to deal Kevin Huerter and another contract to match Jones’ salary.
However, the Pistons have another option. They have a TPE from the Stewart trade worth $15 million. They could fit Jones’ salary into that without having to send out any salary. It would just make them a first-apron team.
Regardless, trading for Jones could be a very intriguing option for Detroit.
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