The Detroit Pistons are rebuilding. Fans can look no further than their recent transactions to see the franchise wants to maximize their draft capital by facilitating trades. The Pistons haven’t made the playoffs since 2019, but their young core continues to grow. Cade Cunningham is a star, and Detroit must keep building around him.
The Pistons helped the Mavericks clear some cap space this offseason by trading Quentin Grimes for Tim Hardaway Jr. and three second-round draft picks. They got one in 2025 via the Raptors that figures to fall in the 30s. Detroit needs floor spacing, so Hardaway Jr. is starting and playing a key role in the Pistons' postseason push. The trade made sense when it happened, but things have changed.
The Pistons know THJ is a streaky player, but they failed to realize how that would impact their roster and the potential of Grimes. The 24-year-old has been the better player this season, and Dallas picked him up as a throw-in.
Quentin Grimes outperforming Tim Hardaway Jr. so far this season
Grimes has primarily come off the bench for Dallas but averages 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.8 steals in 20.6 minutes per game. He is shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 40.9 percent on his 3-point attempts with 1.5 long-range makes per game.
Hardaway Jr. is playing 7.2 more minutes per game, which makes him averaging just 1.0 additional point and fewer rebounds and steals a disappointment. The Pistons wing is shooting 34.6 percent from three, but making 1.9 triples per game.
Per-36 the production is no contest, and Grimes is making just $4.2 million before becoming a restricted free agent in the offseason. Yes, he struggled last season in Detroit and New York, but Grimes was a productive role player for the Knicks in the 2023 season. The Pistons bought low in the Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks trade only to sell before his value returned.
Detroit did get three second-round draft choices in this deal, but fans know the connect rate on those picks is not high. They could literally walk away with a worse player on an overpriced contract and three G League options. It is not the ideal return for a young role player who is a plus shooter and capable defender.
Tim Hardaway Jr. likely has a short stay with the Pistons. The veteran will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Detroit needs shooting, but his streakiness is problematic on contending team. He was in and out of the Mavericks rotation during their 2024 run to the NBA Finals. The Pistons would be wise to spend elsewhere as they keep upgrading their roster.
The draft picks could change this trade, but things are not looking great for the Detroit Pistons. Tim Hardaway Jr. getting white hot and helping the franchise qualify for the postseason would help turn things around, but it looks like Detroit made another mistake. There have been plenty over the last 15 years, so fans know the feeling well.