The Detroit Pistons enter the offseason looking to answer several looming questions, with arguably the biggest stemming from where Trajan Langdon will find a viable second option for Cade Cunningham.
Following Detroit's second-round exit against the Cleveland Cavaliers, who moved on to get swept by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals, it's clear that the Pistons aren't as close as they hoped they were, and without another reliable scoring option to help run the offense, it's hard to imagine that changes next season.
Nonetheless, this proposed trade from ESPN would not only give the Pistons an ideal stopgap option to help Detroit make a run, but also a future asset that could convey into a long-term answer.
Pistons' Paul George addition could net Detroit some relief
There's no doubt that the addition of George may not be the most intriguing option entering the offseason, and given his age, contract, and injury history, it's easy to understand why.
However, Detroit could use that to their advantage and considering what ESPN has the Pistons giving up in the proposed deal, it could be worth the risk.
Isaiah Stewart was nearly unplayable in the playoffs, Duncan Robinson had his moments, but none that suggested he could be the difference-maker for Detroit, and Caris LeVert's inconsistency was among the biggest reasons for the Pistons' second-round exit.
At 36, George isn't the player he once was, but his lack of time on the court over the last couple of seasons has been blown out of proportion.
The versatile forward missed extended time due to a freak accident that led to a knee hyperextension, and this season, the veteran was suspended and forced to miss 25 games due to a violation of the league's anti-drug policy.
Still, in the postseason, George showed flashes of his former self, and while he didn't play up to the caliber of the $54 million contract Darryl Morey signed him to, he wasn't exactly asked to do that.
In Detroit, he could manage to be the exact player that complements Cunningham enough on the offensive end, and with Philadelphia essentially incentivizing the Pistons to take on the playmaker's deal, it could lead them to a long-term solution if they see this deal through.
76ers first-round pick is the best part of the deal
George is the most noteworthy part of ESPN's hypothetical trade, but it's also worth noting that first-round picks aren't just thrown around in today's NBA.
Landing a future first could be huge for Detroit, especially if that pick manages to convey into a prospect that could develop into that long-term option the Pistons are searching for next to Cunningham.
Obviously, betting on that is risky, but adding another first without giving up any additional draft compensation could perfectly place the Pistons in a position to stack up the ammunition it takes to make a blockbuster swing when the right opportunity presents itself.
George's contract is definitely a concerning point, but it's not like he's totally damaged goods. The former first-round pick is still producing enough to offer the short-term answer the Pistons are searching for, and if it opens up a window for an additional move down the road, it may not be the worst idea pitched for Detroit this offseason.
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