As an NBA general manager, you should always be weighing your options. With that said, some teams need bigger changes than others. There are teams in the league who are very much a work in progress. By contrast, there are other teams who only need some finishing touches.
The Detroit Pistons are a work in progress. This team has a stacked roster full of young talent. Still, how it all fits together remains to be seen. The Pistons could undergo major changes in the years to come. This team’s future is still unknown.
By contrast, the Los Angeles Lakers are likely to keep their current core until LeBron James retires. As long as James is suiting up in the purple-and-gold, theyre mostly a finished product. With that said, they could probably use some finishing touches. Could acquiring Monte Morris from the Pistons be that touch?
The Trade Proposal
Detroit Pistons Receive: F/C Jarred Vanderbilt, G Jalen Hood-Schifino
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Monte Morris
Of course, nothing is permanent in life. Nothing is permanent in the NBA, either. Things will change. A team may be in a particular situation, but in time, that situation will change.
After all, no superstar plays forever. James is no exception. At times, it’s felt as if James may be more bionic than human. He isn’t. Eventually, James will ride off into the sunset. It’s unclear what the future will hold for the Lakers when that day comes.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Monte Morris, Los Angeles Lakers & Detroit Pistons Updates
By contrast, we can assume that the Pistons will contend for the title again in time as well. This is a proud organization with a storied history. The Pistons have several NBA titles in their past. Does this deal edge them closer to getting back to that point?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
Not necessarily. This is not a win-now move for the Pistons. They’re losing the best player in the trade. For the Pistons, this is about getting younger.
If they make this deal, it’ll have to be closer to the deadline. Having just acquired Morris, the Pistons can’t move him yet. That’s perfect. The Pistons may want to hold onto the veteran floor general if their young guards don’t appear ready. On the other hand, if Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and Killian Hayes are having strong seasons, the Pistons could decide to free up some room in their rotation for their younger guards.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Monte Morris, Los Angeles Lakers & Detroit Pistons Updates
If so, this deal makes sense for them. Granted, Hood-Schifino is a point guard as well. That’s fine. The Pistons can sort that out later. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt is a versatile defensive big with solid passing chops who’s on this team’s timeline. Should the Lakers really move him?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Sure. After all, Vanderbilt didn’t crack the Lakers’ rotation in this year’s playoffs anyway. He’s an intriguing young player with a unique skill set. Still, his inability to shoot makes him a suboptimal fit on a James-led team.
So, the Lakers can spare him. What do they need? Well, they could use some additional playmaking. Morris provides it. This is a smart, game-managing point guard who seldom turns the ball over. Morris isn’t a superstar, but he’s a nice addition to any contending team’s guard rotation.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Monte Morris, Los Angeles Lakers & Detroit Pistons Updates
Granted, the Lakers have point guards. D’Angelo Russell and Gabe Vincent are both talented in their own right. That’s fine. Vincent is a combo guard who specializes in catching and shooting. The Lakers have a need for playmaking behind Russell, and Morris could be the missing touch they’re looking for.
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