At some point this season, the Detroit Pistons will have to make a tough decision when it comes to guard Malik Beasley.
He's been great for the Pistons on and off the court, but he'll be a hot trade target at the deadline, is on an expiring deal the Pistons can't extend and will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
There's also the fact that the Pistons need extra draft picks if they are ever going to make a big trade and are still limited by the one they owe Minnesota.
The best scenario might be for the Pistons to cash out for a first-round pick (if there is one out there, I am dubious) and then try to bring Beasley back in the offseason. No one wants to trade Beasley, but if they can get a pick and bring him back anyway, they almost have to.
Here are six teams that need shooting and have an extra first round pick to trade.
Orlando Magic
The Magic are dead last in the league in 3-point percentage and 27th in 3-pointers made per game so they could use Beasley’s volume and accuracy.
They have an extra pick in 2025 from Denver and could trade the Pistons whichever one was worse.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets have loads of extra picks starting in 2026. They are 28th in the league in 3-point percentage and 23rd in 3-pointers made per game.
San Antonio Spurs
If the Spurs wanted to try and jumpstart Wembanyama’s playoff career (which is going to be a long one by the looks of it), they could add Beasley without sacrificing much, as they have extra picks for the foreseeable future.
It would also allow them to potentially make a playoff run with Chris Paul instead of trading him.
OKC Thunder
We know all about the Thunder’s war chest of picks, so they are certainly a team that could part with one without it mattering.
The Thunder are pretty much middle-of-the-pack in 3-point shooting and could use a boost in that area.
Memphis Grizzlies
Same for Memphis, who owns all of its own first-round picks in most future years and might be in a position to go for it now.
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets’ need for 3-point shooting and depth is well documented and Beasley is the type of guy who would thrive with a great passer like Jokic as he has with Cade Cunningham, who is just behind the Joker in assists per game.
The Nuggets don’t have a first-round pick to give up outright until 2031, so this would be a long-term investment and the least attractive option.
Even if the Pistons do trade Beasley, I hope he has a future with the team as a free agent next summer, as he’s been a positive for them and Cade Cunningham needs players like him on the roster.