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Thunder trade sets market for Pistons or kills a possible deal

Two seconds for Aaron Wiggins?
ByAaron Kellerstrass|
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Mar 4, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) reacts during the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Mar 4, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) reacts during the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The OKC Thunder got their offseason started early by trading Aaron Wiggins to the Atlanta Hawks for two second-round picks, a deal that should catch the Detroit Pistons’ attention. 

The Thunder have to cut significant payroll to get under the second apron, and it’s most likely going to come from their guard depth, as they have plenty of it, with young, cheap players ready to assume bigger roles. 

They also have Cason Wallace’s potential extension to factor in, which led most pundits to believe the Thunder would deal from the group of Lu Dort, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins to cut money. 

Sending Wiggins out without taking a salary back saves the Thunder around $9 million for next season, which still leaves them a substantial amount to cut. 

The Pistons have reportedly shown interest in sharpshooter Isaiah Joe, who is a similarly valued player as Wiggins, so the Thunder have set the market for their guard, or it could be a signal that there isn’t one. 

The Pistons should make a move for Isaiah Joe 

The Pistons need more quality depth and shooting and Isaiah Joe provides both as a solid role player for one of the league’s top teams who happens to shoot 41 percent from 3-point range for his career. 

Joe is also reliable, having played at least 71 games in his last four seasons, a quality we know Trajan Langdon looks for. 

If the Thunder want to cut another $11.3 million from their cap sheet next season, they could send Joe to the Pistons in a similar deal as Wiggins, taking on second-round picks for cap relief. 

The Pistons have plenty of extra second rounders, so this could be a win-win for both. Of course, the Thunder may go another route. 

Joe may be off the table now 

The Thunder have to cut around $39 million, which is now down to $30 million after trading away Wiggins. 

They can get very close to the number they need just by declining team options on Lu Dort and Kenrich Williams and restructuring Isaiah Hartenstein’s deal. 

OKC doesn’t have to trade Joe and may not want to, as he’s been one of their most reliable bench shooters, and he’s on a relatively team-friendly deal. So are Jared McCain and Ajay Mitchell though, so they could decide moving Joe is the best way to cut money and clear a path for younger, cheaper players. 

OKC doesn’t have to trade Joe, but he could be the odd man out if they want to keep one of their other veterans instead. 

This deal set the market for a quality role player at two second-round picks, so if there is a deal available, the Pistons should jump on it. 

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