Detroit Pistons trading for Draymond Green: The Pros
Draymond is a veteran winner who has a handful of rings and as much playoff experience as nearly anyone in the NBA.
He would immediately improve the defense with his own play and by holding the young players accountable for theirs.
Unlike in Golden State, where his antics have worn thin, he’d be embraced by Detroit as a Saginaw native.
He shot nearly 50 percent from the floor last season and a career-high 39.5 percent from long range, so there is evidence he’s taking his shooting more seriously than he has in the past. He’s a connector who can play in a lot of different lineups and Detroit might be able to get him for nothing more than picks.
The Cons
Picks? What picks?
Green is 34 years old and under contract for another three seasons, so even though there hasn’t been catastrophic drop off in his game yet, it could be coming soon.
Green hasn’t been able to avoid embarrassing incidents on a model franchise with some of the most respected veterans in the NBA around him. How do you think that’s going to play in Detroit? How long before he gets suspended? How long before he punches Jaden Ivey in practice? How long before Pistons fans are ready to run him out of town?
Seems like a lot of distraction for a team that doesn’t need it.
Even if he played well for the duration, he’s not a good fit with Jalen Duren despite his recent uptick in shooting. Teams are still willing to let him fire away from long range, so even if he hits 40 percent of them, who cares if he only takes two a game and no one guards him anyway?
There’s a reason Detroit is one of the only teams that ever gets mentioned in connection with Draymond and it’s because the writers think the Pistons are the only team desperate enough to do it.
Desperation can’t be the primary motivation. I like Draymond, and if he had one or even two years left on his deal, he’s a guy the Pistons should consider, but three years is daunting.
The idea isn’t that crazy, but the Pistons can likely find someone who is a better fit and doesn’t come with all of the potential for disaster.