The Pistons are generally pleased with their roster going into next season, but the Mavericks could catch their eye with intriguing trade targets. Trade rumors continue to swirl about Dallas’ intentions with PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford, who could both be useful veteran contributors for the Pistons as well. For their part, the Pistons also have plenty of trade candidates who could go back to the Mavs and help in a rebuilding effort.
Washington and Gafford would be great trade pickups
Unlike some rumored targets, both Washington and Gafford are squarely in their prime years; they’ll be 28 years old heading into next season. Throughout their careers, they’ve been solid two-way players better known for their defense, but also capable of providing valuable spacing on offense. In Gafford’s case, that spacing comes in the vertical component, since he’s such a great lob threat.
These two Mavericks would only add to the Pistons’ existing defensive strengths. Washington can bring a solid defensive presence to the power forward spot, capable of taking on bigger wings and switching across different positions. And Gafford would be an incredible rim protector and rebounder to complement the Pistons’ strong wing defenders.
Since these players already have such complimentary skillsets, they can instantly fit into any system, Detroit included. They don’t need the ball in their hands much but can take advantage of any good opportunity to finish a lob or hit an open corner three. It’s no coincidence that the Mavericks were able to instantly make a Finals appearance in 2024 after acquiring both with midseason trades.
The Pistons should keep an eye on marginal upgrades
It’s tough to add a big star and find immediate success because teams often need to adapt towards ball-dominant players. But guys like Washington and Gafford can make the Pistons better instantly regardless of how they perform next season. If the Pistons are disappointing, they can help improve things; if Detroit is already doing well, they can elevate the Pistons to more legitimate contenders.
New and unexpected trade targets can emerge during a season as teams decide to switch directions. But the intrigue of Washington and Gafford should be a guiding light for the Pistons. They are in the right mold of role players to help the Pistons improve their weaknesses without taking away from their strengths in defense and physicality.
Smart role player additions separate great front offices from good ones. Finding marginal additions with outsized impact will be necessary to build a true title contender in today’s extremely competitive league.
The Pistons have already had a solid summer of role player upgrades, but they can still take another step. It might cost some assets to acquire Washington and/or Gafford, but the evidence is already there for them being a great fit in Detroit.
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