Grading the trade between Detroit Pistons and Houston Rockets
There are things to like about a deal like this, but also some problems.
Getting what will likely be a middling first-round pick along with two future future second-round picks might be the best the Pistons are going to do for Bojan. Getting an extra pick in 2024 would potentially allow the Pistons to make a bigger trade, as they could include it or their own as part of the deal.
However, taking on Jock Landale would not be ideal, as he still has two guaranteed years plus a team option left on his deal. He's only making $8 million but the last thing the Pistons need is another center who can't shoot and doesn't protect the rim. We've learned the hard way this year that third centers can be had for much less.
If the Rockets could swap out Landale for a player who might crack the Pistons' rotation, it might be more palatable. On the flip side, the Pistons will have more cap space than they can spend and may need a player like Landale to keep them from going below the salary floor if they don't end up making a big trade or signing a big-time free agent.
It's not a great deal, but the picks could make it worthwhile for Detroit, even if they had to hold their nose while taking on Landale's contract.