I asked Detroit Pistons fans what they wanted to do at the trade deadline in a recent poll and the results were somewhat surprising.
“Trade for a role player” was the most popular option by far, with fans wanting to bypass the risk of some of the stars (Zach LaVine, Brandon Ingram, Bradley Beal, Jimmy Butler) that are currently available for trade.
“Role” player can mean a lot of things, as you have guys like CJ McCollum, who would be on the high end of that scale and are paid like it.
When you look at the Pistons' needs, they mostly revolve around Jaden Ivey’s absence at the moment, as they could use another scoring option, as well as a guy who can handle the ball when Cade Cunningham leaves the game.
They could also use another two-way wing, though Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland II are making that less of a concern.
What if they could get a player who was nearly all of those things, who wouldn’t cost anything in terms of long-term assets and who could be retained next season at a huge bargain? Enter Lonzo Ball.
Detroit Pistons: Trading for Lonzo Ball.
I’ve long been a fan of Ball and have written about him as a potential target for the Pistons in the past.
I like that he plays unselfishly and that he digs in on defense, two things that would fit right in with the ethos the Pistons are establishing.
He’s been one of the best stories of the season, as he’s played 19 games after missing over two years with career-threatening knee injuries.
Ball isn’t putting up big counting stats, but he’s one of those players whose contributions don’t always show up, a cliche to be sure, but one that is true in the case of Lonzo.
According to Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps of ESPN (subscription):
"While his numbers aren't eye-popping, this stat is: Chicago is a full 10 points per 100 possessions better with Ball on the court this season than when he's off, making him an intriguing possibility for teams as a free agent this summer.
"When he plays, he's very impactful," an executive said.
"Someone is going to get him next year and look smart," another exec said."
We all know the injury risks with Ball, but he could help this team and do it without costing them much, though they would have to send at least a contract or two back to Chicago to make the money work.
You could argue that the Pistons should just wait until the summer, when they may be able to sign Ball to a lowball deal with more information at their disposal and without costing them anything but money.
But other teams will be thinking the same thing, as Lonzo is likely going to have to sign a “prove it” deal until he shows he can stay healthy for a full season. He’ll have options if he’s healthy, as he represents a huge low-cost, high-reward player that cash-strapped contenders will increasingly covet under the new tax apron rules.
Trading for him now would give the Pistons an inside track to bringing him back next season if Lonzo gels with the culture and the team is successful.
It would be a moderate risk that could pay off for present and future, and depending on the cost, it’s one the Pistons should consider.