1 Pistons trade target on every team in the Western Conference
With cap space, tradable contracts and young players, the Detroit Pistons are set up to make a big trade.
Last week, we looked at possible trade targets in the Eastern Conference and now it’s time to focus on the West, where a number of factors could result in star players on the trade market.
But trades for stars aren’t the only kind the Pistons are looking for, as Trajan Langdon wants to acquire as many assets and expiring contracts within the two-year time frame he has established.
1 Pistons trade target on every team in the East. 1 Pistons trade target on every team in the East. dark. Related Story
We’ll be looking for stars that might become available, but also the chance to grab assets, expiring deals and draft picks in salary dumps so that the Pistons are prepared to go all in within the next two seasons.
Here’s one possibility from every team in the West.
Portland Trail Blazers: Anfernee Simons
The Trail Blazers are likely to fully embrace the tank this season at some point and will look to jettison a few of their older players. Simons doesn’t quite fit into that category, as he’s only 25, but with younger guards already on the roster and a desire to land Cooper Flagg, the Blazers could clean house.
They are already trying to trade Jerami Grant, though their asking price of two first-round picks is laughable. But if Simons hits the market, he’d be interesting. He’s a very good scorer, efficient and fits the Pistons timeline.
His defense isn’t great but he’s young, talented, has playoff experience and is just entering his prime.
San Antonio Spurs: Zach Collins
A backup center option who can spread the floor, Collins could be the odd man out depending on what direction the Spurs go this season. Do they envision him as a guy who can play with Wembanyama long term? That will be the only measure that matters to the Spurs.
Collins is overpaid for a backup, so the Spurs may not have the easiest time moving him. Of course, they are under no pressure to win right away, but if they got off to a hot start and wanted to add talent to make a playoff run, Collins could be a salary they have to dump and they have loads of draft picks. His contract fits the two-year window and I’d be happy to take him off the Spurs hands if they need money and want to kick in some draft assets.