How This Trade Impacts Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons didn’t spend their cap space in free agency. Instead, they were a trade partner for the New York Knicks on multiple occasions, taking on the contracts that the Knicks wanted to shed with sweeteners attached.

To take on Kemba Walker, Alec Burks and Nerlens Noel, the Pistons came away with No. 13 overall pick Jalen Duren, multiple future second-round picks and cash. Not too shabby for a rebuilding team.

They continue adding to that rebuild in this hypothetical deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. Burks is a solid veteran to have around and would instantly improve the Pistons with his two-way play and veteran leadership. But, presented with an opportunity to continue adding future assets, they jump at it.

Talen Horton-Tucker has been unable to put things together consistently with the Lakers, but he has shown flashes of excellent potential. But, player development isn’t at the forefront for Los Angeles. They are trying to win as many games as possible and contend for a championship.

For them, Burks is a better fit and the Pistons are more than happy to take a shot on a 21-year-old with the two-way potential that Horton-Tucker possesses.

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If he can figure out his jump shot, he will be a more than serviceable rotation player with his secondary playmaking ability and upside as a multi-position defender.

The 2023 second-round pick via the Chicago Bulls is a nice touch for the Pistons as well. Getting a young player and draft capital, given where they are in their rebuild, is certainly a win for the franchise.