Grade the trade: Pistons clean up in proposed deal with Knicks

The Pistons would have to take this proposed trade with Knicks 

This deal couldn’t get much better for Detroit, as the assets that don’t mean much to the Knicks could be substantial for them. 

Let’s start with the 2025 pick. The Pistons currently do not own a pick in what is being hyped as one of the best drafts in years in terms of high-end star potential. 

The pick is protected 1-13, so there is a good chance the Pistons would keep it anyway, but this way, they don’t have to worry about tanking down the stretch if it’s close and they are guaranteed a pick no matter what happens.

It also sets them up to make potential trades, as they would finally be able to move future picks in a deal, as right now they are limited in how many future picks they can include. 

Robinson potentially provides the rim protection the Pistons lack, and he is best suited to a backup role where he is not playing huge minutes. He’d be a difference maker off the Pistons’ bench for 15-20 minutes per night and the Pistons have Paul Reed in the meantime. 

Miles McBride could slide right into the backup point guard role, as the Pistons currently don’t have one. Even if you envision Ivey in that role, they need a third guy and McBride fits the bill as someone who can defend and shoot 3-point shots. 

This deal would address needs, add to the Pistons’ depth and most importantly, get them a much-needed draft asset. 

It would be tough to see Stewart go, and Langdon may feel the same, as he was reportedly interested in Stewart as GM of the Pelicans. 

But this would be a tough deal to pass up given where the Pistons are right now, so even though I love what Stew brings to the Pistons, they’d probably have to pull the trigger on this one. 

Grade: B+