4 Buy-low trade targets for the Pistons to monitor

Michael Porter Jr. 

It’s hard to say that a player making $35, 38 and 40 million over the next three seasons is a value, and when it comes to salary, he is not. 

Porter Jr. Is slightly overpaid for what he brings to the table, as he’s really just a jumbo spot-up shooter, serviceable defender and not much else. He’s currently the 4th-best player on a good team, so he’s overpaid in that context. 

But it’s his bloated contract that could make him a value in a trade, as the Nuggets’ primary goal will be to save money if they do decide to trade him, meaning the Pistons could potentially land MPJ without giving up any major assets. 

This likely relies on the Nuggets being worse this season, which will depend largely on the young players trying to step into bigger roles. They also have Aaron Gordon’s upcoming extension to consider and may have to choose between the two if they want to stay out from under the second tax apron. 

All of this is a long way of saying that even though MPJ is overpaid, he could still be a value if the Pistons don’t have to give up much to get him. Also, as the cap rises, his salary won’t look so bad and the final year is not fully guaranteed.