The worst teams in the NBA have a unique range of decisions to make. When do they decide to improve? After all, there are benefits to losing. We all know how the lottery system works.
The worst teams in the NBA have the highest odds of landing a top pick in the draft. At the same time, they eventually need to improve. Otherwise, they’ll alienate the top picks they’ve already got on their roster.
With that in mind, what should the Detroit Pistons do this summer? They could continue adding pieces to their young core. On the other hand, they could aggregate some of their young players for a win-now piece. Here are three deals we think they’d have to consider – in one direction or the other.
Trade No. 1 – Pistons Acquire Caleb Martin From Miami Heat
Miami Heat Receive: G Killian Hayes, 2027 Second-Round Pick (DET), 2029 Second-Round Pick (DET)
Detroit Pistons Receive: G/F Caleb Martin
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat are fresh off of an NBA Finals appearance. There’s no ambiguity here – they’ll be looking to improve next season. With that in mind, why are they parting with a valuable rotation player like Martin?
Well, the Heat need a point guard. Obviously, they’re linked to a much more prominent one this summer. The Heat are widely expected to make a run at Damian Lillard. What if they can’t land him?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Detroit Pistons, Caleb Martin & MiamiHeat Updates
They may need a backup plan. Hayes feels like a player they’d like. He’s a stout defender with a good feel for the game. Hayes has been generally disappointing as a lottery pick, but he could take a step forward in a new environment. With that said, the Heat may not want to take a risk on him. If not, could the Pistons include him in a package for another floor-spacing wing?
Trade No. 2 – Pistons Acquire OG Anunoby From Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Alec Burks, G Killian Hayes, 2026 First-Round Pick (DET), 2028 First-Round Pick (DET), 2029 First-Round Pick (Swap – DET)
Detroit Pistons Receive: F OG Anunoby
In the last slide, we didn’t touch on why the Pistons would want Martin. Luckily, they’d want OG Anunoby for all of the same reasons.
Specifically, the Pistons could use more floor spacing. If they acquired a wing who was also a good defender, that would be an added bonus. Meanwhile, Anunoby is one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA. If the Pistons want to take a step forward next season, this would be a massive acquisition for this club.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Detroit Pistons, OG Anunoby & Toronto Raptors Updates
Perhaps, he’d be too massive. Anunoby would probably block Ausar Thompson’s path to success. If the Pistons share that concern, they could pass on this deal. Could they add to their young core instead?
Trade No. 3 – Pistons Acquire Jonathan Kuminga From Golden State Warriors
Golden State Warriors Receive: F Bojan Bogdanovic
Detroit Pistons Receive: G/F Gary Payton III, F Jonathan Kuminga
Some Pistons fans will protest this deal. Don’t they have enough young talent? Why are they adding to their young core? Won’t flipping Bogdanovic for Kuminga make them worst next season?
We hear you. These are valid concerns. On the other hand, look at teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and Orlando Magic. These teams have a surplus of young talent. Do the Pistons have the same?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Detroit Pistons, Jonathan Kuminga & Golden State Warriors Updates
Following this deal, they would. Meanwhile, with all due respect to Marvin Bagley III, the Pistons don’t have their 4 of the future. Kuminga fits the bill. In fact, adding him would give the Pistons one of the most athletic teams in the entire NBA. With a fresh coaching perspective, they could even surprise some folks next year. Assuming, of course, that that’s their goal.
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