As an NBA team rebuilds, its roster begins to unfold. Sometimes, needs begin to emerge. Whether a rebuilding team ought to fill them or not is an entirely different question.
After all, aggregating talent is the first priority. A rebuilding team may not care if the pieces fit – after all, losing will have somer benefit for a while. Teams are looking to exploit the lottery system. Still, eventually, a team needs to put a viable roster together. Eventually, they’ll have to satisfy those needs.
Take the Detroit Pistons. This team has a surplus of guards. They’ve also got a surplus of bigs. With that said, this team could use some wing depth. Eventually, they may have to make a trade to improve the fit of their young core. Could they trade for Keldon Johnson of the San Antonio Spurs?
The Trade Proposal
San Antonio Spurs Receive: C James Wiseman, G Killian Hayes, 2026 First-Round Pick (DET)
Detroit Pistons Receive: G/F Keldon Johnson
Meanwhile, nobody needs to tell the Spurs about exploiting the lottery system. They just landed the biggest prize imaginable. The Spurs got lucky and landed the first overall pick in a class with a generational prospect. Did they do it on purpose?
We think so. The timing of the Spurs’ decision to move Dejounte Murray was interesting. He was their best player. The Spurs weren’t likely to land top lottery odds if they’d kept him. Now, they’ve got Victor Wembanyama to show for their efforts.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Keldon Johnson, Detroit Pistons & San Antonio Spurs Updates
We don’t blame them. The lottery system exists for a reason. The Spurs got lucky – but luck is a huge part of any rebuild. Now, the Spurs need to decide how they’re building around Wembanyama. Is this the right first move for them to make?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
It’s debatable. From the perspective of roster building, this is a perfect move for the Spurs. On the other hand, from a pure value perspective, they could be taking a loss. Johnson is the best player in this deal.
He’s just remarkably similar to Devin Vassell. Meanwhile, the Spurs could use some point guard depth. They’re also apparently looking for a big man to pair with Wembanyama. This deal checks both of those boxes. Meanwhile, Wiseman did flash some potential as a Piston. If he can develop into even just a strong stationary rim protector, this could benefit the Spurs.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Keldon Johnson, Detroit Pistons & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Still, they’re also landing an unprotected first-rounder for parting with the best player in this trade. It’s coming from one of the worst teams in the NBA, so it’s got particular value. Should the Pistons really part with it?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
The Pistons do this deal because they need a young wing. Simple enough – right? Not exactly. There are potential pitfalls for the Pistons here as well.
For starters, they do have one young wing. Ausar Thompson is probably a natural 2/3, but he’ll play the 3 on this roster – and he should be built for it. Will Johnson get in his way? We don’t think so. Building around versatile wings with defensive value is easier than having a glut of guards. Johnson is a better fit for this roster.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Keldon Johnson, Detroit Pistons & San Antonio Spurs Updates
Still, the biggest risk here is parting with a first-round pick. We still think it’s worth it for the Pistons. If they’re still in the lottery by 2026, they’ve got bigger problems than forfeiting one pick. If the Pistons have faith in the core they’ve assembled, they should make a move to bolster it. Eventually, this roster has to take some shape.
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