The Pistons are searching for shooting upgrades before the trade deadline, and one under-the-radar option is Gary Trent Jr of the Milwaukee Bucks. Trent Jr is not having the best season but has been a reliable and potent shooter throughout his career. His addition can be the perfect subtle trade to elevate the Pistons.
Gary Trent Jr is the small trade that the Pistons need
With the Pistons’ incredible success this season, they’ve pretty much played their way out of a big trade. But getting a smaller name like Trent can shore up some weaknesses ahead of the playoffs. Last season, the Pistons struck gold by picking up Dennis Schroeder at the trade deadline for almost nothing - perhaps Trent can be the latest iteration of that strategy.
Eventually, the Pistons may go after big names and add more star power to their team. But for now, they are just looking for another shooter that can maintain their defensive identity. That’s where Trent comes in as a perfect fit on both sides of the ball.
Over his 8 seasons in the NBA, Trent has shot 39% from three on 6 attempts per game. His numbers are down this season to 36% on 5 attempts per game, but the Bucks’ overall struggles are hurting his production too. Regardless of his actual percentages right now, Trent has earned the fear of NBA defenses over his career so he can provide excellent spacing for his teammates.
Defensively, Trent has struggled this season just like everyone else on the Bucks. But we’ve seen coach JB Bickerstaff and the Pistons’ ecosystem bring out the defensive best in shooters. Whether it’s Duncan Robinson competing consistently this season or Tim Hardaway Jr being solid last season, the Pistons can cover for the limitations of their snipers.
And Trent does have a solid defensive foundation to build off. A few years ago, he was a defensive menace in Toronto where he averaged nearly 2 steals a game in some seasons. If he can bring that same aggression without being over tasked as a perimeter stopper, he could once again be an impactful defender.
Trent is clearly in need of a change of scenery. After starting the season as a starter for the Bucks, he’s been benched recently. Milwaukee is reeling and their team construction does no favors for a role player like Trent.
But in Detroit, he could find new life next to an elite playmaker in Cade Cunningham and a dominant defense. He could be the perfect buy-low trade target that will have an outsized impact for the Pistons.