6 Teams the Pistons are "well positioned" to take advantage of this summer
We all know the Detroit Pistons have a ton of cap space this summer, but we’ve also all been here before.
Having cap space means less in the modern NBA, as it is easier for teams to retain stars, meaning most of them never reach free agency.
It’s far easier to land an impact player via trade with penalties getting more severe for teams in the luxury tax, especially those who have crossed the 2nd apron.
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Cap expert Keith Smith of Spotrac named eight teams who will be over the 2nd apron and may look to cut salary as well as several teams over the 1st apron who could look to do the same, saying that the Pistons were “well positioned” to take advantage of one of them using their cap space.
I asked Keith Smith two questions:
— Darth Ku (@KuKhahil) May 20, 2024
1- What 2nd Apron teams should Pistons fans be watching closely for potential cap relief trades
2-Just how valuable is having a lot of cap space in the new CBA
His incredibly detailed and must hear answer for Pistons fans is laid out here👇🏽👇🏽 pic.twitter.com/nU3Zu8WSi1
Most of the 2nd apron teams don’t care, as teams like the Suns, Lakers and Clippers are trying to win now and aren’t worried about money. But there are others who are.
Let’s start with the 1st apron teams and work our way up, with some ideas of who they may have to trade.
6 Teams the Pistons are "well positioned" to take advantage of this summer
#6: Portland Trail Blazers
Possible players: Jerami Grant, Malcolm Brogdon, Anfernee Simons
The Trail Blazers are in the rare position of being both terrible and expensive after their roster didn’t gel this season.
It’s hard to justify paying the luxury tax for a team that won 21 games, so at least the Detroit Pistons are cheap and terrible.
Brogdon’s injury concerns would be lessened by the fact that he only has one year left on his deal and the Pistons might be able to get him for little. Simons and Grant would be more expensive in terms of assets as well as money and would either of them really move the needle for the Pistons?
On the right deal, a reunion with Grant could be possible, and he does play a position of need. His contract runs through 2027-28, so Detroit would be paying Grant (who is best suited to be the 3rd or 4th best player on a good team) $36 million when he is 34 years old.
The Trail Blazers should move some of their veterans this offseason, and depending on the asking price, the Pistons could be interested, but they could have better options.