Malcolm Brogdon presents trade conundrum for the Pistons

Fans who are hoping the Detroit Pistons trade for a superstar this season are probably going to be disappointed. 

Trajan Langdon isn’t going to make rash moves and the only way the Pistons are going to land a star right now is by trading from the young core he is trying to evaluate, as they are still hampered by a first-round pick they owe to Minnesota. 

But that doesn’t mean they won’t make moves, as there are guys out there who could help them without long-term commitments or blowing up the roster. 

One guy who fits that category is Malcolm Brogdon, who theoretically fills a need as a secondary creator, ball handler and guy who can knock down shots, all things the Pistons need. 

He’s also on an expiring contract and plays for the tanking Wizards, so he’s available and most expect Washington to deal him before the February trade deadline. 

The Pistons have the assets to get a player like Brogdon, but the cost is going up. 

Detroit Pistons trade rumors: How much is too much for Malcolm Brogdon? 

Brogdon is scoring 14 points per game in just seven games so far this season, but after he shook off the rust, he’s been on fire in the last five when he has averaged 18.8 points on 58/45/90 shooting splits that are reminiscent of when he won 6th Man of the Year. 

That included a 29 point/11 rebound effort against the Bucks on November 30th.  

The Pistons could certainly use another scorer, especially one who can handle the ball, be a secondary creator and knock down free throws late in games. 

Brogdon is a walking injury and has only played 60+ games three times in his long career, so it’s doubtful teams are going to give up a first-round pick for a guy with his injury history on an expiring deal. 

He’s also making $22 million this season, which will somewhat limit his market, but he’s still a guy that several teams will be asking about. 

So how much is too much for Brogdon? The Pistons could send Washington Tim Hardaway Jr.’s expiring contract and a second-round pick or two, but is that kind of move even worth it? 

THJ at least stays healthy most of the time, so while Brogdon is a better player, it only matters if he is available. 

It’s also questionable if the Pistons should be giving up any future draft assets just to chase the play-in tournament, as it’s not like Brogdon is going to make them a title contender. 

He’d be an impact addition if healthy, and if the price is right, the Pistons may think it’s worth the investment, but the way he is playing right now, that cost is going up. 

In many ways, Brogdon represents the conundrum the Pistons are in as a team on the fringes, as they have to weigh the short-term gains against the long-term cost.