Normally, we expect NBA teams to rebuild gradually. There’s some sense in that. A young team may not be ready to win. They need some time to develop chemistry and learn how to succeed in the NBA. That’s fair enough.
Sometimes, general managers get impatient. They may see a need to make a major win-now trade – whether their team looks ready or not.
Could the Detroit Pistons be a candidate to make a major win-now trade? We’re not sure. With that said, this franchise has been battling irrelevancy for the better part of two decades. Could they trade for Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers to break that cycle?
The Trade Proposal
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: F Bojan Bogdanovic, C James Wiseman, G/F Alec Burks, 2024 First-Round Pick (DET), 2026 First-Round Pick (DET)
Detroit Pistons Receive: G/F Paul George
Sure, the Pistons have been struggling for a while. It wasn’t always this way. The Bad Boy Pistons won back-to-back titles in the 1980s. Meanwhile, the Pistons struck gold again in 2004. This is a storied franchise with a rich history.
We can’t say the same for the Clippers. This team teetered on irrelevance for much of it’s history as well. With that said, they’ve been among the winningest teams in the NBA in recent years.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers & Detroit Pistons Updates
What’s the lesson here? Things change in the NBA, and they change quickly. Today’s bottom feeders can be tomorrow’s contenders. Should the Pistons make a push toward contention?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
Frankly, the Pistons probably won’t do this deal. We understand that. Indulge us. Engage in a thought experiment. What would the Pistons gain from acquiring George?
In all likelihood, a playoff berth in the near future. George is among the best wings in the NBA. His ability to space the floor would be a blessing to the surplus of young playmakers on this roster.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers & Detroit Pistons Updates
Meanwhile, George could be a strong mentor for Ausar Thompson. In theory, he’ll be a similar player to George when he reaches his peak. If the Pistons want to prioritize some playoff experience for their young core, they could entertain a bold move like this one. What about the Clippers?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
The Clippers have been among the winningest franchises in the NBA over the last decade. They still haven’t won an NBA title. By now, this core is looking unlikely to do it. George is somewhat injury-prone, and Kawhi Leonard is a walking health concern.
So, the Clippers could entertain some changes. With that said, they may not want to bottom out entirely. If Leonard can get healthy, the Clippers could still be contenders.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers & Detroit Pistons Updates
This deal has them retooling. The Clippers would have a deeper squad around Leonard, and some assets to acquire another star down the road. If that doesn’t work? They’ll likely have to rebuild again.
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