How This Trade Impacts Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons came into the season believing that they could challenge for at least a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament in the Eastern Conference. That is why they made the trade for Bojan Bogdanovic, desperately needing 3-point help as well. Unfortunately, things have not gone as planned.
The Pistons are currently 6-18 on the season despite Bogdanovic playing so well. They have been unable to overcome the loss of Cade Cunningham, the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, and are trending toward being in the running for the No. 1 pick again.
Knowing that Victor Wembanyama is the prize of the 2023 NBA Draft, they could look to make some moves and ensure their standing in the lottery. Trading away Bogdanovic and Saddiq Bey would certainly help in that regard.
Getting back players on their rookie deals in Aaron Nesmith and Chris Duarte provides the Pistons with some value.
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Nesmith has yet to receive a consistent role in the NBA but was a highly regarded 3-point shooter. Duarte is a little older at 25 years old but could be a nice building block.
Goga Bitadze is in the final year of his contract after being selected in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft and could receive a few more opportunities with the Pistons than he has been with the Pacers.
Daniel Theis is included to match salary and would join the collection of veterans in Detroit that they are looking to move in Nerlens Noel and Alec Burks.
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The two first-round picks are what Detroit would be happiest coming away with. Even though they likely won’t be lottery selections, they still have a lot of value to build the roster with or include as sweeteners in trade packages to bolster the team.
