The Detroit Pistons won a game. This was news around the NBA. After all, the Pistons suffered the longest in-season losing streak in league history in 2023-24. Finally, they vanquished the Toronto Raptors.
The good feeling didn’t last long. The Pistons followed that performance up by getting manhandled by the Houston Rockets. Perhaps the Pistons can win a game, but one fact remains clear – this is the worst team in the NBA.
Perhaps that’s why Detroit is rumored to be interested in “making a splash” at this year’s trade deadline. When a team has been this bad for this long, they tend to get desperate.
Could the Pistons be desperate enough to acquire Pascal Siakam of the Toronto Raptors?
NBA Trade Proposal: Detroit Pistons Land Toronto Raptors’ Pascal Siakam
Toronto Raptors Receive: G/F Joe Harris, C James Wiseman, G Jaden Ivey, 2025 First-Round Pick (DET), 2027 First-Round Pick (DET)
Detroit Pistons Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
Meanwhile, the Raptors have the unfortunate designation of being the team that let the Pistons off the hook. This will not be one of the fondest memories in franchise history.
With that said, the Raptors haven’t been making many fond memories lately. This team is overwhelmingly likely to rebuild. They’ve already got the process underway.
The Raptors sent OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks in exchange for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. This is interesting.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors Updates
There was much debate about whether the Raptors needed to move the younger Anunoby. By contrast, there’s a fairly firm consensus that they should move Siakam.
Should they accept this return for him?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
Interestingly, Toronto didn’t receive much draft capital for Anunoby. It’s possible that they couldn’t find as healthy of a market as they’d have liked for a player on an expiring contract.
Still, Siakam ought to net them a couple of first-round picks. They’re landing a pair of them here.. They’re also landing some interesting young players.
Wiseman has been turning a corner recently. He may never be a star, but he’s flashed the ability to control the glass and protect the rim.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors Updates
By contrast, Ivey could be a star. His role in Detroit this year has been inconsistent. Still, Ivey is an outstanding athlete who can get to the rim, and he’s a strong passer as well. He’s the centerpiece of this deal for the Raptors.
Should the Pistons part with him?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
This is a bold move for the Pistons. If you don’t think they should make this trade, you won’t be alone. Let’s play Devil’s Advocate. How can the Pistons justify this move?
Acquiring Siakam may take them out of the lottery’s top. That’s fine. The Pistons have been in the lottery for a long time. They’re far enough behind the pack that they should still land a lower lottery pick but also make progress.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors Updates
Progress is overdue for the Pistons. They’ve been slowly rebuilding for a long time. It may be best for Detroit to impose improvement on this roster before their best young players get impatient. By acquiring Siakam, they should be able to win games – regularly.
