No team has had their narrative change as much this season as the Detroit Pistons.
We came into this season with modest expectations of improvement, but also thought this team was far from a finished product. Now I’m not so sure.
Talk of trading for a star has turned into a debate about whether they should and I fall squarely on the side of “no.”
When you look at recent star trades and free-agent signings in which teams gutted their roster or cap space to get one guy, many of them have failed and left their teams in a tough spot, both in terms of depth and future financial flexibility.
Trajan Langdon understands all of this, of course, and has already reaped benefits from being patient and not losing agility.
My guess is that he will target more of a complementary player this summer instead of a big star and there should be some interesting names available.
This is especially true when you factor in the Pistons’ likely desire to bring back Malik Beasley and possibly Tim Hardaway Jr., which would eat up most of their available cap space.
Bleacher Report recently named the three most likely trade targets for each team and there were plenty of players who fall into the price and talent tier the Pistons will likely seek.
Sam Hauser
The Celtics are going to have to make some tough choices this summer and Hauser could end up being dealt to save money. He’s an elite 3-point shooter and the Pistons could definitely use more shooting. He’s under contract for the next four seasons after this one at a reasonable rate of between $10-12 million. The Pistons could save Boston a few million and three years of future money by flipping Simone Fontecchio.
Ayo Dosunmu
No team has botched their payroll worse than the Bulls, who are on the cusp of losing both Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu. I’ve always liked Ayo, who will be an expiring contract the Bulls won’t be able to extend.
Dean Wade
Cheap production is the name of the game in the apron era and Wade can give it to you off the bench. He’s a good 3-point shooter who is only making $6 million next season. The Cavs will need to cut money, so Wade will likely be available.
Obi Toppin
The Pistons’ biggest long-term roster need is depth at power forward. Toppin isn’t great, but he can shoot, defend and run the floor, and he’s on a reasonable deal that only ramps up to $16 million over the next three seasons.
John Collins
He’s having a career year and I would hate dealing with Utah, but Collins would give the Pistons more depth and flexibility. He only has a player option for next season and could opt out and become a free agent, but if he doesn’t, the Jazz will likely look to move him as an expiring deal.
Cam Johnson
Johnson would represent the high end of this list, as he’s very good and has the type of game that would fit on any roster, including the Pistons.
He’s also on a team-friendly deal that only extends for two more seasons at $20 and 22 million, so he’ll be the hottest non-Durant name on the trade rumor mill.
But the Nets have no real reason to trade him given that they already have a ton of draft picks and will have more cap space than anyone next summer to reload around Johnson.
I’d say he’s a huge long shot given that context, as well as the price to attain him, which would likely be steep, but a starting five of Cade, Ausar, Johnson, Harris and Duren would be pretty enticing.