The Detroit Pistons had an exciting 24 hours, as they executed a series of strange moves that netted them $4 million in cap space before beating the Heat in another overtime thriller behind a huge night from Cade Cunningham, who is very much looking the part of franchise cornerstone.
But it wasn’t all good, as Isaiah Stewart hyperextended his knee and had to leave the game, leaving the Pistons painfully thin at center even with Reed back.
The Pistons are the only team with cap space and many feel they are going to use it to take on a bad contract in exchange for draft assets, but they have other options, including a player who can help them now without sacrificing the future.
The Pistons should trade for John Collins
We’ve heard John Collins name as a possible trade target for Detroit in the past, but his contract was somewhat daunting and he wasn’t an exact fit.
With both Tobias Harris and Isaiah Stewart out, the Pistons are now thin at two positions, both spots that Collins can cover.
He’s having a career year, averaging over 18 points and 8 rebounds per game while shooting 54 percent from the floor and 45 percent from long range.
Collins would give them a versatile big man who can play spot minutes at the five and give JB Bickerstaff more ways to generate offense and create mismatches.
I love the idea of unleashing small-ball lineups in spurts that could spread the floor without giving up too much on defense. Cade Cunningham, Malik Beasley, Ron Holland, Ausar Thompson and John Collins would be a fun lineup in stretches.
He’s an immediate fit as an emergency fill in and would give the Pistons quality depth when they get everyone back.
Trading for John Collins
The Pistons have the cap space and expiring contracts to go get Collins from a financial standpoint, the question is what else they would have to give up.
Given the way he is playing, Ainge is going to hold out for a first-round pick, in which case the Pistons are likely out. Detroit does have Toronto’s 2nd-round pick in 2025, which should be near the top of the round, so it’s possible that and a few more second-rounders would get it done along with Tim Hardaway Jr’s expiring deal.
It’s also possible Utah would be interested in a young player instead and that’s where things get tricky. I am sure the Pistons would give up Marcus Sasser, but beyond that, may balk at giving up anyone else for Collins.
Trading for Collins would still leave the Pistons with cap space, so financially it wouldn’t hurt them much. His deal only extends through next season (he has a player option), so he fits the same timeline as Tobias Harris.
It’s a move that would make the Pistons better now and in the future, wouldn’t cost them too much and doesn’t mess with the financial flexibility beyond next season.