The Detroit Pistons are looking to “make a splash”. That’s what we’re hearing in the NBA’s rumor mill. The Pistons want to make a major move ahead of the 2023-24 trade deadline.
This is interesting. The Pistons had a historic losing streak. They’re the worst team in the NBA, and it isn’t even close. Why would this team make a splash?
Well, perhaps the Pistons are tired of being patient. The slow rebuild doesn’t seem to work for this organization – why not go all-in? At this point, the Pistons may need to get a reliable producer.
How about Mikal Bridges of the Brooklyn Nets?
NBA Trade Proposal: Detroit Pistons Land Brooklyn Nets’ Mikal Bridges
Brooklyn Nets Receive: C James Wiseman, G Jaden Ivey, 2025 First-Round Pick (DET), 2027 First-Round Pick (DET)
Detroit Pistons Receive: G/F Mikal Bridges
By contrast, the Nets could make their splash. They could also stand pat. The Nets are in a unique position. They’re not getting destroyed nightly like the Pistons, but they’re not contenders, either.
How is that unique? Ordinarily, it wouldn’t be. The Nets are middling. Yet, for this team, that presents an interesting dilemma. The Nets can’t tank – they owe their first-round picks, whether outright or via swap, to the Houston Rockets through 2027.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons Updates
So, the Nets have no incentive to lose. On the other hand, they aren’t winning enough either. If that continues, the Nets could consider a move like this one.
Can they survive without Bridges?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
If the Nets do this deal, they will get worse. They may hand the Rockets a lottery pick. At the same time, that’s a sunk cost. The Nets shouldn’t be thinking about Houston when they make their decisions moving forward.
Meanwhile, this team isn’t accomplishing anything meaningful. The Nets don’t have to lose for seasons on end if they make this deal. They play in one of the league’s best markets, and they’ll have the assets to trade for disgruntled stars. This deal is about improving their flexibility when making future deals.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons Updates
After all, they’re landing two unprotected first-round picks. If the Nets give the keys to Ivey, they could be landing another star – or enhancing his trade value. Should the Pistons cut ties with their recent lottery pick?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
This would be an unconventional choice for the Pistons. Most critics will say that when you’re the worst team in the NBA, you don’t give up assets. Sure. What about when you’ve been the worst team in the NBA for quite some time?
The Pistons have watched teams like the Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Houston Rockets join the rank of competitive teams. They’re now among the new generation of bottom feeders.
The Pistons are years into this rebuild – they shouldn’t share the bottom of the standings with the Washington Wizards, San Antonio Spurs, and Portland Trail Blazers.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons Updates
It’s time to end this rebuild. At this point, the simplest way to do so may be by acquiring a veteran at a position of need. The Pistons could use a 3-and-D wing who can create his own shot – Bridges qualifies. This might be the splash that Detroit needs to make.
