3 Potential Thon Maker Trades

Photo by USA Today

The honeymoon period is over. I think a lot of people were excited about Thon Maker when he came to Detroit, and he had some notable moments in his first season with the Pistons (blocking Bobby Portis and cutting his lip, the dagger 3 against the Hawks). However, he just hasn’t been what the Pistons have needed from a backup center. Now, I don’t necessarily think Christian Wood is the answer either, but he is a good player with a lot of upside on the offensive end. Thon lacks adequacy on both ends of the floor and, for the life of me, I can’t understand how a 7’1 dude can’t or won’t rebound. Luke Kennard had more rebounds than Thon last night against Minnesota. Let’s break down some potential trades that could net the Pistons a true center.

Trade #1: Charlotte Hornets

• Pistons: Willy Hernangomez
• Hornets: Thon Maker

Willy Hernangomez has only played 3 games for the Hornets this year. Which means Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo are ahead of him in the rotation. That’s fine, I’m not complaining if the (at best) inept Charlotte Hornets don’t see him as a rotation piece, because that likely means he’s more expendable.

In relatively limited minutes, Hernangomez has averaged 5.5 rebounds per game and 7 points, which is totally adequate for a 2nd or 3rd string center. He also shoots 36% from 3 for his career. Not to mention, he makes less money than Thon, so the Pistons could save some cash in the swap.

Trade #2: Washington Wizards

• Pistons: Mo Wagner
• Wizards: Thon Maker/Khyri Thomas

Out of all three of these proposed trades, this one is the least likely to happen. Wagner has been playing well for the Wizards, so the price for him is raised. However, I think that has a lot to do with playing bigger minutes on a bad team. He’s better offensively than Thon, but also has less experience in the NBA, and I think getting a center with 5+ years of experience would be a better target. That being said, Wagner is averaging 10 points and 5 rebounds this year, while also holding a 70% TS percentage. Though it might not be possible to acquire him without giving up more valuable assets, he’s worthy of a mention.

Trade #3: Portland Trail Blazers

• Pistons: Portland 2022 2nd round pick
• Trail Blazers: Thon Maker

You’re not getting a center back in the trade, at least not directly. This proposal takes advantage of the Blazers’ limited frontcourt. They would likely be using Thon as a PF, which puts him in a better position alongside Hassan Whiteside or Jusuf Nurkic when he comes back. Could the Pistons get two second rounders for Thon?

Ehhhhh….. maybe. But let’s say they get just one, what do they do next?

Sign a free agent big man. Perhaps a Kenneth Faried or Marcin Gortat? Not the most exciting names, but serviceable big men who can come in and protect the paint. They could also be had for the minimum, which would save the Pistons some salary.

So there it is. I’m sure there are some other deals that can be made involving Thon, but these are likely the most possible.