Fans of rebuilding NBA teams want their young players to succeed. That’s natural. It doesn’t always happen. Sometimes, a young player doesn’t survive a rebuild.
After all, sometimes, a rebuilding team is simply accumulating talent. They won’t be able to use every player that they come across. A rebuilding team’s front office may be mixing and matching.
They’ll see who works together and who doesn’t, and they’ll make their moves accordingly. Could the Detroit Pistons be in line to make a move soon?
It feels likely. Jalen Duren is breaking out as a sophomore. In all likelihood, that means James Wiseman is on the outs. In time, he could be heading for his third NBA team of his young career.
Could that team be the Memphis Grizzlies?
The Trade Proposal
Detroit Pistons Receive: C Steven Adams, F/C Kenneth Loften Jr., 2026 Second-Round Pick (LAC via MEM), 2030 Second-Round Pick (MEM)
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: C James Wiseman
With that said, every rebuild doesn’t look the same. It takes some teams the better part of a decade to work towards contention. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re doing a poor job – as much as fans will grow impatient, a lot of factors determine the length of a rebuild.
Every player has their own developmental arch, injuries occur, and lottery luck plays a huge role as well. For example, the Grizzlies’ most recent rebuild could not have gone more smoothly. Ja Morant did not take long to become a contributor. Everything else fell into place as well.
Desmond Bane has been an unexpected star, Jaren Jackson Jr. is an elite defender, and the Grizzlies have done well to draft role players around their core.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Wiseman, Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
What about the Pistons? Well, it’s been a slower process. Still, if Cade Cunningham had been healthy last year, the Pistons may have made progress. They’re hoping that this will be the year that they take a step forward. Does this deal help them accomplish that goal?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
Frankly, no. The Pistons aren’t acquiring any players who are likely to be prominent parts of their rotation this year in this deal. They’re simply looking to collect assets for Wiseman. After all, he hasn’t been part of their rotation this year either.
With that in mind, Wiseman’s trade value has surely taken a hit. Taking a player out of your rotation is not a way to bolster their value. So, the Pistons should be happy to net a pair of second-rounders for him. It’s not much, but it’s better than nothing – and that’s what Wiseman is currently providing.
Moreover, taking a flyer on Loften Jr. is a wise decision as well. He may not be an optimal fit alongside Isaiah Stewart, but that didn’t stop the Pistons from acquiring Wiseman when they already had Duren.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Wiseman, Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
In the end, getting a look at Loften is worth the cost of a player who they aren’t using anyway. Could the Grizzlies use Wiseman?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
Before this season, it seemed like the Grizzlies would badly need a big man. Adams’ injury was supposed to be a tremendous loss for them.
Yet, Xavier Tillman has flourished in his absence. The Grizzlies may have stumbled into their starting big man of the future. Perhaps. With that said, the Grizzlies are 0-4.
Moreover, Tillman is only 6’8. He may be best suited to play as a reserve combo big who gets starter-level minutes between the five and the four. Either way, the Grizzlies could use some size in their frontcourt.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Wiseman, Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Why not Wiseman? He’s a legit seven-footer, and he shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg on the trade market. The Grizzlies don’t have to start him, but adding him to their rotation and seeing what they can get from him is sensible. Whether he lasts or not will remain to be seen.
