NBA rumors: Possible star trade target for the Detroit Pistons

Detroit Pistons trade with the New Orleans Pelicans 

The Pistons don’t have a trove of trade assets, so any trade for a player of Ingram’s caliber would have to start with the their 2024 draft pick, which can’t be traded officially until draft day. It will undoubtedly be a top-5 pick, which is their biggest trade asset along with the Core Four. 

Ingram is a 26-year-old with one year left on his deal at $36 million before he’ll become an unrestricted free agent and get paid. The Pistons would have to think they’d have a chance to re-sign him before giving up their best assets, as he could walk after a season. 

His next contract is going to be huge, but we’ll get back to that in a minute. 

The Pels would likely want one of the Core Four along with the 2024 pick, a second pick and a few swaps. If the pick this season ends up being the #1, would that be enough to get the Pistons a young veteran All-Star without giving up one of the core? 

I have no idea if this is enough or if it would b the best offer the Pelicans could get, as I said, if the Pistons end up with the first pick, that could move the needle. Stewart is also under a reasonable contract and they'd net around $20 million in cap space, which the Pelicans do care about.

Ingram's contract status could lower his value somewhat but if a team like Houston or OKC wanted to throw more draft picks at them, the Pistons may not be able to compete.

Let’s assume Detroit could put together a tempting enough package for the sake of argument. Brandon Ingram does come with some pros and cons.