Before the start of the 2019-20 NBA season, if you would have asked any Pistons fan what they thought the team should do with Langston Galloway, most would have said the same thing. Trade him. He is not very valuable to the team.
Fast forward a month. Langston Galloway is now finding himself in a role many would have never seen coming. Galloway is playing like a legitimate sixth man. Averaging 13.2 points per game on 45.6% from the field and 46.2% from three, Galloway now presents a major problem for opposing teams. Galloway seems to be fitting in nicely with the Pistons’ second unit, and shows no signs of slowing down.
That’s the great part. Now for the two options.
Stay Put (Contending):
If the Pistons figure things out under the guidance of Dwane Casey, there is no reason to move Galloway. A veteran presence off the bench, Langston provides the leadership the club needs. On top of this, he also is a lights-out shooter from distance. With much improved defense, Galloway seems to be the Danny Green-esque bench piece the Pistons sorely need. In this scenario, the Pistons would likely give more minutes to Langston than he usually gets.
Trade (Selling):
If a quick turnaround does not take place, the Pistons do not look like a playoff contender this year as they are starting off the year with a meager 4-9 record. With talks of an imminent teardown swirling, Langston finds himself to be in an interesting situation: trade bait. Plenty of title contenders could use a player like Langston, and the Pistons could/should trade him for the right price. Let’s Break down potential trades.
Trade 1: Galloway to the Lakers
Lakers Get: Langston Galloway
Pistons Get: Avery Bradley, 2023 2nd Round Pick
In this trade, the Lakers would be looking for a bench upgrade by trading a struggling 3 and D player and a second round pick for Galloway. Galloway would provide the Lakers with the bench depth they need so they could space the floor better in their second unit. The Pistons would get a reunion with Avery Bradley, who has a lesser contract, along with a 2nd round pick.
Trade 2: Galloway to the Clippers
Clippers get: Langston Galloway, 2021 2nd Round Pick (via LA Lakers), 2026 2nd Round Pick
Pistons get: Rodney McGruder, Jerome Robinson
In this scenario, the Clippers acquire Galloway and two 2nd Round picks for veteran Rodney McGruder, and a young scoring talent in Jerome Robinson. This trade makes sense for both teams, as the Clippers need someone who can play defense next to Lou Williams off the bench, while being a consistent threat from outside. Galloway brings this. The Pistons do not leave empty handed, however, as Jerome Robinson is an all-around scoring talent who can be groomed by Dwane Casey.
No matter what happens, tanking or contending, Langston Galloway is a nice asset that the front office is lucky to have. If they tank, they can get a nice young piece back. If they choose not to tank, they have a nice scoring option off the bench. The Pistons have a dilemma, but this dilemma is one all front offices would love to have.
Piston Territory 