The Detroit Pistons have got to do something. They’re the worst team in the NBA. This isn’t uncharted territory for the Pistons. They were the worst team in the NBA in 2022-23 as well.
It’s understood that young teams will lose. Rebuilding can take some time. Still, this is taking a little bit too long. Pistons fans are losing patience.
At this point, their front office might be in trouble. We wouldn’t be surprised if general manager Troy Weaver was in the hot seat.
What should the Pistons do? Well, this team could use a wing. Still, they’re too underdeveloped to make a major, win-now swing. If Detroit is trading for a wing, they should be on the younger side.
How about RJ Barrett of the New York Knicks?
NBA Trade Proposal: Detroit Pistons Land New York Knicks’ RJ Barrett
New York Knicks Receive: G/F Joe Harris, G Jaden Ivey
Detroit Pistons Receive: G/F RJ Barrett
It hasn’t just been a difficult two-year period for the Pistons. It’s been a difficult decade or more. This team hasn’t had a real chance at winning an NBA title since the early 2000s. What has been the issue?
For a long time, Detroit seemed content with mediocrity. The Blake Griffin era was the most competitive period of Detroit basketball after their 2004 championship.
With all due respect to a talented player, Griffin was never going to carry them on a deep playoff run. So, give them credit for moving away from mediocrity.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: RJ Barrett, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks Updates
This most recent Pistons regime has been appropriately future-focused. With that said, 2023-24 was supposed to be the year that they started to show some improvement.
Could adding Barrett help them accomplish that goal?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
We think so. In previous seasons, this would have been ill-advised. Barrett’s lack of reliable floor spacing would have made him a problematic fit in Detroit.
That said, in 2023-24, he’s connecting from long-range at a decent clip. We can’t say the same for Ivey. That’s not necessarily his fault.
The Pistons don’t seem to trust the young guard enough to even give him opportunities. If that’s true, they might as well move him before his trade value sinks even lower.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: RJ Barrett, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks Updates
So, why not flip him for a player with a needed skillset? Barrett can shoot, and do a little bit of everything else. That should make life easier for Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson.
Does Ivey make life easier for New York?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
We’re not sure. With that said, it’s worth noting that Immanuel Quickley will soon be due for a contract extension. Rumors have suggested that New York may not give it to him.
Ivey could replace him as a spark plug sixth man if that’s true. Yet, this is more about making a gamble on Ivey’s upside. It’s easy to forget now, but Ivey is a season removed from being regarded as the best guard in his draft.
If he hits his ceiling, the Knicks could get the best player in this deal. In the meantime, Joe Harris should crack their rotation as an elite shooter.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: RJ Barrett, Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks Updates
He’s also on an expiring contract – the Knicks are saving money by making this deal. That’s not something they have to do, but it is a benefit.
