The Detroit Pistons are the worst team in the NBA. This is not foreign territory. The Pistons were the worst team in the NBA last season. They’ve been among the worst teams in the NBA for quite some time now.
As a result, most would expect them to be sellers leading up to the NBA trade deadline. Fair enough. That would be the conventional route for the Pistons to travel. When a team is performing this poorly, they’re not supposed to make win-now trades.
Should the Pistons make an exception? It feels like this slow rebuild is stagnant. Perhaps the Pistons should make a bold move despite their record.
Could they make that move for Alex Caruso of the Chicago Bulls?
NBA Trade Proposal: Detroit Pistons Land Chicago Bulls’ Alex Caruso
Chicago Bulls Receive: G Jaden Ivey
Detroit Pistons Receive: G/F Alex Caruso
The Pistons’ recent history makes their current situation more painful. They’d have built up some goodwill with their fans if they were rebuilding after a long run of title contention. Instead, they’re rebuilding from a place of perpetual mediocrity.
Think about it. The Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe era was always doomed for failure. Acquiring Blake Griffin improved their outlook, but even those teams would never compete for a title. It’s been some time since Pistons fans had a reason to get excited.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons Updates
This is exactly what the Bulls need to avoid. This team has been mediocre for a while. It’s been rumored that they’d prefer to acquire win-now pieces instead of rebuilding.
Could they make a move for Ivey instead?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
We don’t know what the Bulls will do. With that said, we’ve got a vision for what they ought to do – and ought not to do. What they shouldn’t do is go get some win-now pieces in exchange for the players that they currently have.
In all likelihood, that will result in a series of lateral moves. How are they going to flip their current players for better players? The Bulls are light on draft assets. The best option is for this team to rebuild.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons Updates
Why not start by acquiring Ivey? He seems to have fallen out of favor in Detroit, but he’s a recent lottery pick. At times, he’s looked like a hyper-athletic combo guard who’s destined for stardom.
Should Detroit give up on him?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
Ivey has a lot of upside. The Pistons don’t look intent on exploring it. His place in this team’s rotation has been inconsistent all year. If Detroit doesn’t believe in him, they should move him.
Granted, moving him for a 29-year-old would be a bold decision. Caruso is well outside of this team’s timeline. Should Detroit be moving young players for older ones?
Largely, it depends on how much faith they’ve got in Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson. If the Pistons believe in that duo, Caruso is a perfect complement to them.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons Updates
His floor spacing will help on offense, but more importantly, he might be the best defensive guard in the NBA. After adding him, the Pistons shouldn’t be the worst team in the NBA.
