Throughout the NBA, general managers have their own philosophies about team building. For some, it’s important to construct a well-fitting roster from scratch. They’ll avoid players that overlap with the players they already have – no matter how talented they might be.
For others, it’s about stockpiling talent. They’ll trade the ill-fitting pieces later. These GMs are more concerned with getting the best players that they possibly can.
Troy Weaver of the Detroit Pistons seems to fall into the latter camp. Jalen Duren was having a promising rookie season, and Weaver traded for James Wiseman anyway. Could he trade for RJ Barrett of the New York Knicks using the same logic this summer?
The Trade Proposal
New York Knicks Receive: F Bojan Bogdanovic, G/F Alec Burks
Detroit Pistons Receive: G/F RJ Barrett, 2024 First-Round Pick (DET via NYK)
In fact, we saw those philosophies at odds with each other in the most recent NBA draft. Many fans felt that Scoot Henderson was the second-best prospect in his class behind Victor Wembanyama. In fact, plenty of experts felt the same. Did the Charlotte Hornets feel differently?
We don’t know. What we do know is that they selected Brandon Miller ahead of Henderson. Did they think he was the better prospect, or did they think he was a better fit with their core?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: RJ Barrett, New York Knicks & Detroit Pistons Updates
After all, the Hornets already have LaMelo Ball. They may not have seen room for two ball-handlers. That’s understandable, but if Henderson far exceeds Miller throughout his career, the Hornets may live to regret their decision. Would the Pistons regret this one?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
The Pistons would have loved to have been in the same situation. They had the worst team in the NBA last year, and yet, they ended up picking fifth overall in the draft. With that pick, they selected Ausar Thompson. He should dull the pain of missing out on a higher pick. Thompson looks like a versatile wing who can guard multiple positions, with a well-rounded offensive skillset.
With that in mind – why acquire Barrett? Well, once again, Weaver seems to be more concerned with aggregating talent. If Thompson and Barrett don’t fit together, look for him to trade one or the other down the line.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: RJ Barrett, New York Knicks & Detroit Pistons Updates
Meanwhile, the Pistons also get protections removed on the pick that they owe to the Knicks here. Granted, that top-18 protection is unlikely to come into effect. Still, following this deal, the Pistons could take a step forward without the fear of losing their pick. Should the Knicks give that pick up?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
Sure. It wasn’t likely to convey anyway. The real question is whether the Knicks should give up Barrett. They could certainly justify doing so. Barrett has flashed potential throughout his career thus far, but he’s been inconsistent. Meanwhile, the Knicks are firmly in win-now mode.
This deal ought to help them win. Obviously, the main return is Bogdanovic. He’s one of the best shooters in the NBA, and he can fit into any contending team’s system.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: RJ Barrett, New York Knicks & Detroit Pistons Updates
So can Burks. Don’t sleep on his reunion with the Knicks here. Burks provides a little bit of everything: he can shoot, defend and pass. In other words, he’s a perfect building block for an NBA team with any philosophy.
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