Player on the Orlando Magic the Detroit Pistons should pursue
One thing we've learned about the Detroit Pistons this season is that they need forwards who can shoot.
The Pistons are at the bottom of the league in 3-pointers made per game, and other than Bojan Bogdanovic, have gotten nothing from their forwards offensively.
Given that Cade Cunningham needs space to operate, getting wings who can shoot should be an imperative, which was why some were scratching their heads when the Pistons traded up to select Marcus Sasser, an undersized guard.
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When it comes to making trades, the Pistons don't have a ton of options given their limited resources. They can just sell off their expiring deals, maybe swing something around Bogdanovic, take a risk on another buy-low player, or take a flyer on a project.
The Orlando Magic may have a player who fits into the last category and he has some connection to Michigan.
Detroit Pistons should pursue Jett Howard in a trade
Former University of Michigan wing Jett Howard was the 11th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft but has yet to play much for the Magic, who are currently the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference.
Howard has only appeared in nine games and barely scratched the scorecard. He's been shipped back and forth to the G-League, so is not part of Orlando's immediate plans.
As a 6-foot-8 wing player who can shoot, Howard would be a nice addition to the Pistons. He wasn't lights out at Michigan, but he shot 37 percent from long range on high volume, and his form should eventually translate to the NBA.
The Magic are loaded with young forwards, so may never have minutes for Howard, which doesn't mean he's going to be traded, but might make him available.
Could the Detroit Pistons even put together a package that would entice the Magic? Any deal would likely have to start with Sasser and at least the 2nd-round pick the Pistons are owed by the Washington Wizards.
Would that be enough to land the 11th pick in the draft? Probably not.
But if I were Troy Weaver, I'd pick up the phone and get an idea of what it would cost, as Howard is a guy who fits the mold of what the Pistons need and would get more chances in Detroit than he is getting in Orlando.
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