When a rebuilding NBA team acquires a veteran, it always invites debate. Won’t he get in the way of the young guys? Shouldn’t this team be focused on developing its young players? What exactly is the plan here?
Well, the plan may be to take a step forward. Rebuilding isn’t an exact science. At some point, a young team wants to start winning games. If they feel as if they’ve got enough blue-chip talent from the lottery, they may reach that point. In all likelihood, that’s what the Detroit Pistons were thinking when they acquired Joe Harris this summer.
From that perspective, the acquisition made sense. Harris is a low-usage, high-efficiency shooting specialist. He should compliment this team’s young playmakers. With that said, there’s another benefit to acquiring a player like Harris: down the line, you could include him in a trade. Could the Pistons include him in a deal for De’Andre Hunter of the Atlanta Hawks?
The Trade Proposal
Atlanta Hawks Receive: G/F Joe Harris, 2026 First-Round Pick (Top 10 Protected – DET)
Detroit Pistons Receive: F De’Andre Hunter
There is a lot to consider if you’re an NBA general manager. The balance between young players and veterans is one thing. There’s a lot more to look at. The job isn’t simply to put the best roster that you can together. A general manager also has to manage their cap sheet.
After all, a financial crunch can destroy a contender. Committing a significant contract to even one player who isn’t earning it can be a substantial barrier to success. At the same time, you’ve got to retain your talent. This is a balancing act that isn’t easy for any general manager.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: De’Andre Hunter, Detroit Pistons & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Should the Hawks regret the deal they gave Hunter? Not necessarily. He’s been a productive player. With that said, this team’s books are getting a little messy. The Hawks may want to clear cap space however they can. Is that enough reason to send Hunter to the Pistons?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
It’s certainly the main reason. Harris is on an expiring contract. This deal offers Atlanta considerable cap relief. That’s important – this team needs cap relief.
Of course, they also need to win some games. Harris will help. Yes, he’s a significant downgrade from Hunter on the defensive end., Still, Harris is one of the best shooters in the NBA. He’ll add an element of spacing that ought to benefit Trae Young’s playmaking. Even if he’s a one-year rental, he’s one worth adding.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: De’Andre Hunter, Detroit Pistons & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Finally, the Hawks get a first-round pick here. Sure, it’s protected, but it’s still an asset. This team is light on draft capital, so adding this pick – even if protected – is sensible. Besides, the Pistons will be hoping to be out of the league’s bottom 10 by 2026. Does adding Hunter help them rise in the standings?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
The Pistons have a lot of young talent. They could be justified in feeling like they have enough. With that said, there’s some overlap in that talent. The Pistons have a lot of young playmakers and shot-creators, and they’ve got some exciting young bigs. What they don’t have is an exciting young 3-and-D wing.
Could Ausar Thompson be that in time? Sure. He certainly profiles as an outstanding defensive player. With that said, his shot is a work in progress. By contrast, Hunter is a much more reliable floor spacer. Besides, the two can co-exist: Hunter can play the 4, and Thompson can play the 2. There’s no overlap here.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: De’Andre Hunter, Detroit Pistons & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Of course, slotting Thompson to the two would push Jaden Ivey out of the rotation. That’s fine. The Pistons need to figure out what lineups work and commit to them. There could be some trades in this team’s future. In time, they might even acquire another veteran.
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