Detroit Pistons' best trade opportunities may come on draft day
The Detroit Pistons are just 10 days away from the NBA trade deadline and there has been plenty of speculation about what they are going to do.
The Pistons don't likely have the necessary trade assets to get the type of impact talent they need to move the needle, but do have some potentially valuable veterans on expiring contracts they could deal.
They also have a ton of future cap space, but it won't matter if there is nothing to spend it on, so making a trade may be their best way to make the splash they need.
Related Story. 3 Dream trade deadline targets for the Pistons (and what they would cost). 3 Dream trade deadline targets for the Pistons (and what they would cost). dark
However, doing it at the trade deadline will be all but impossible given the limitations on their 2024 draft pick, which is why the Detroit Pistons may be better off waiting until the summer to make their big trade.
Detroit Pistons: Waiting until draft day to make a big trade
The Pistons can't put together much of a trade package at the trade deadline. The best they can do is one of their young players plus one future first-round pick, which isn't even a conversation starter for guys like Lauri Markkanen or Mikal Bridges.
However, if they wait until draft day, they can include their 2024 first-round pick, which will be another top-5 selection barring a miracle.
As we know all too well, getting the first pick in the draft is far from guaranteed even if the Pistons end up with the worst record, but it will at least be in the top-5.
Suddenly their potential trade package looks a lot better, as they could offer their 2024 1st-round, plus another first, plus a swap in between along with one of their young players.
Would Jaden Ivey plus the #1 pick get them into the discussion for guys like Markkanen and Bridges if they do become available? It certainly gets them closer.
Getting the #1 pick also opens up the option of trading Jalen Duren, as Alex Sarr is currently the projected number one pick and might be a better overall fit with Cade Cunningham as a big who is projected to be an elite defender who should eventually be able to spread the floor.
Jalen Duren plus a first-round pick and a few swaps is a far more attractive package than they can offer at the deadline.
There are a lot of big "Ifs" here but if Troy Weaver gives up some or most of his trade assets at the deadline, he may miss an opportunity to make a better trade on draft day.
manual