The NBA trade deadline is just two days away and it’s still unclear what the Detroit Pistons are going to do.
Given their available cap space, it’s likely they end up in a deal or two, but what types of deals those will be? That's anyone's guess.
Detroit’s unexpected record may have them considering an addition of talent rather than just a salary dump, and they do have some clear needs.
They could use another ballhandler and more size in their backcourt off the bench. They could use more size in the frontcourt, as they have no one behind Tobias Harris who is a real power forward.
We could certainly just see the Pistons take a salary dump for picks, but if they do decide to add guard talent, don’t be surprised if it is one of these three players.
Chris Paul
I’d put this one in the highly unlikely category, though I do wonder how he fits in now that the Spurs have secured De’Aaron Fox and already trying to find developmental minutes for Stephon Castle.
Chris Paul has started every game this season, so do the Spurs envision him in the backcourt with Fox? That’s possible, and it’s also possible that San Antonio doesn’t care, as they can ride out this season and Paul is a free agent at the end of it anyway.
He’s also clearly been good for Wembanyama and the Spurs might not want to mess with that.
This comes down to the Spurs and whether they want to make another big move to make a run at the playoffs or are happy with the team they have for now, knowing more stars are coming.
As for the Pistons, Paul isn’t an ideal fit, as he has some crossover with Cade Cunningham, but Cade would benefit from playing off the ball in stretches and from playing with a guy who can get him some good looks that he doesn’t have to create himself.
The Pistons can absorb his contract without having to send one back and would obviously have to attach some kind of draft compensation to make it worth it for the Spurs.
Like I said, unlikely, but interesting.
Collin Sexton
A more expensive and possibly impactful addition would be Collin Sexton, who would give them an immediate Ivey replacement whose contract only runs through next season.
He’d give them insurance against losing Malik Beasley in the offseason (which is a possibility) and in case Ivey’s injury lingers longer than expected. The Pistons wouldn’t have to worry about rushing Ivey back, whether it’s at the end of this season or the beginning of next.
Sexton is a good 3-point shooter who can create his own shot, something the Pistons lack and his versatility on and off the ball are similar to Ivey, so he should be an easy fit.
The Pistons shouldn’t go all in on Sexton, and I’m not sure they’d want to meet Ainge’s asking price for him, which almost certainly starts at a first-round pick.
But anything less than that and he is a decent option who wouldn’t hurt their long-term plans.
Lonzo Ball
I’ve been beating this drum for a while and will continue, especially now that it’s been reported Ball can be had for a single second-round pick.
In many ways, he’s exactly what the Pistons need in terms of on the court skills and contract, as he’s a big guard who can create, shoot 3’s and defend. He’d be a big upgrade from Sasser off the bench defensively, which we saw hurt the Pistons last night when Atlanta went on a 10-0 run late against a small Pistons’ 2nd unit.
He’s a connector, and fits the culture the Pistons are trying to build. Also, he only has a half season (less) remaining on his contract, so he poses no long-term risk.
If it works out, great, maybe you bring him back on an incentive-laden deal, and if not, you move on with a $20 million expiring contract off your books.
If the Pistons could get him for Fontecchio and a second, do it now.
I see no downside to trading for Ball, as he complements Cade Cunningham on paper as well as just about any available guard. He’s also been playing well lately, hitting 39 percent of his 3-point shots over his last 10 games on seven attempts per game.