The Houston Rockets recently acquired the No. 16 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft from the Portland Trail Blazers in the Robert Covington trade. Now, they have sent it to the Detroit Pistons.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Rockets are trading the No. 16 pick and Trevor Ariza to the Pistons in exchange for a future 1st round pick. Houston is also purchasing the Lakers’ 2021 2nd round pick from Detroit for $4.6 million.
It’s no secret the Pistons have had their sights set on Florida State product Patrick Williams— even supposedly making a promise to take him at that spot if available. Could Detroit be looking to package both the No. 7 and No. 16 selections to move up to guarantee to be able to take Williams?
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Even if the Pistons do not end up packaging their two 1st round picks, there will be a variety of intriguing talents that can be had with the No. 16 pick. A team that needs more youth at point guard or a ‘3-and-D’ wing.
The Rockets have looked to shed salary spending to get under the luxury tax and moving Ariza helps them to accomplish that. Trading away the No. 16 pick will cut additional salary since they won’t have to sign a rookie to a contract after dealing it away.
The Detroit Pistons could end up continuing to be active in trade talks throughout the 2020 NBA Draft but do not expect the Houston Rockets to jump back into it. They want to keep their spending at a minimum for the 2020-21 season.
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