2 Grades for the Pistons' trades: Did Troy Weaver have a good night?
The Detroit Pistons struck first on the day before the NBA trade deadline, making moves along the fringes instead of swinging for a big splash.
These are the types of moves the Pistons needed before the season started, as I wrote earlier in the year, as Detroit's biggest need was role players that better complemented their young core, which was not addressed with the addition of Joe Harris.
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So let's take a look at the two trades, how they graded out (so far) and what could come next.
Detroit Pistons' trade #1
Simone Fontecchio to Detroit for a 2024 2nd round pick, Kevin Knox and Gabriele Procida
The Pistons flipped Kevin Knox, the draft rights to Gabriele Procida and a 2024 second-round pick (WAS) for Simone Fontecchio from the Utah Jazz.
At first glance, this seemed unnecessary, as Fontecchio is set to be a free agent and the Pistons could have just signed him in the offseason without giving anything up. But Fontecchio is restricted, which will make him much easier to retain, which they reportedly plan to do.
If the Pistons can re-sign Fontecchio to a reasonable deal, then this is a win for Detroit, as they netted a big wing who can shoot and isn't a sieve on defense. They've long needed two-way wings and this addresses that issue.
Knox and Procida are not big losses, as neither of them was part of the future plans anyway. The second-round pick will be a good one, likely near the top of the round, but the 2024 draft has long been seen as a weak one, so Fonteccio is likely better than any player they were going to draft there.
This wasn't a blockbuster, but it was a solid move for Detroit, who addressed a need without giving up much of value.
Grade: B
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