The Charlotte Hornets have gotten off to a poor start amidst a ton of injuries, so naturally trade rumors are already starting around Naz Reid.
Reid has been great this season in an expanded role and is averaging 17.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists while knocking down 37 percent of his 3-point shots.
But let’s start with the reality: We are just 10 games into the season and the Hornets are not about to throw in the towel by trading the guy who was the centerpiece of the LaMelo Ball deal, especially when he’s playing well and on a team-friendly contract.
The new lottery rules don’t reward tanking, so Charlotte has no reason to give up on their season, which puts any trade for Naz Reid firmly in the “unlikely” category.
But that didn’t stop Bleacher Report from putting out this three-team trade that lands the Pistons Naz Reid:
Hornets: get: Ron Holland, 2027 and 2029 first-round picks (DET)
Bulls get: Kevin Huerter, 2029, 2030 second-round picks (DET)
Pistons get: Naz Reid
The Pistons would essentially be giving up Holland, Huerter, two first-round picks and two second-round picks for Naz Reid, which seems a fair price, though at this point, I think the Pistons would rather give up someone other than Huerter, as he’s been playing well.
Details and likelihood aside, Naz Reid would be a guy who could push the Pistons over the top.
Naz Reid is a real two-way power forward
The Pistons brought in John Collins to be more of a stretch four than Tobias Harris was, and the results have been mixed, and Collins still doesn’t shoot enough of them to be a real floor spacer.
Reid is more of a proven volume shooter and guy who can occasionally get his own shot. He’s also a better defender than Collins, so this would be an upgrade in both style of play and overall skill.
And in this trade, the Pistons aren’t giving up Collins anyway, so they’d go from power forward being a weakness, to suddenly having quality depth at the position.
Reid is an energy guy who would fit right in and be a fan favorite right away, and his contract is one that fits long term with the Pistons’ core. Reid is basically just a better version of what the Pistons need from John Collins.
There’s not much to dislike, but the problem is the Hornets haven’t even seen a healthy version of their roster and have no reason to trade a guy like Reid, who would be valuable to any team.
I like the idea, but it’s far too early to know what Charlotte will eventually do.
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