With the NBA’s trade deadline nearing, it’s time to assess the chances of players being traded, and the value that they hold. This article will have players listed in order of likelihood, as well as potential trade targets.
Likely on the move:
Wayne Ellington: It is highly unlikely that the 34 year old sharpshooter will be a member of the Pistons by March 25th, the NBA’s trade deadline. Ellington is Detroit’s oldest player, but offers strong value to a championship contending team, averaging 9.8 points per game while shooting 40% from beyond the arc. Teams such as the Lakers, Nets and Sixers would all like to add Ellington’s shooting off the bench, but he would be valued by any team looking to make a playoff run or just get into the post-season. While he does draw interest, it’s hard to believe that the Pistons could get anything more than a high second round pick due to his age and lack of defensive abilities, but it’s almost guaranteed that the Pistons will get at least that.
Delon Wright: With the emergence of Saben Lee, revival of Dennis Smith Jr, and return of Killian hayes looming, it’s hard to imagine that the 28 year old veteran is not on his way out. Delon Wright is having the second best season of his career, and has been an amazing “glue guy.” Philadelphia and Boston have been in constant contact with Detroit about Wright’s availability. The Nets and Clippers are also rumored to have strong interest in Delon. Wright has very enticing value, as he could net a better return than former Pistons guard Derrick Rose, due to his contract being longer and him still being in the prime of his career. An interesting trade idea for the Pistons would be Delon Wright for Mattise Thybulle and Terrance Ferguson, who are both extremely good defenders who haven’t been able to match that production offensively.
Svi Mykhailiuk: When the Pistons traded Reggie Bullock for Svi Mykhailiuk, the expectations for Svi were low. It’s safe to say he has exceeded those expectations pretty well. However, he is an upcoming free agent, and will be in play for most contending teams’ MLE (6-10 million). Mykhailiuk was not a Troy Weaver guy, and Weaver has only kept 2 young players from the previous regime. Svi has interesting value, as he could net a first round pick in the 19-27 range. The only downside to potentially trading Svi is that he is still only 23. With the Pistons signing Deividas Sirvydis to a 3 year deal, they need to see what the have in the draft pick from last off-season, and that’s not gonna happen with Mykhailiuk in Detroit.
Unlikely, but don’t rule it out:
Sekou Doumbouya: Now this is where things get interesting. Doumbouya is still the 18th youngest player in the NBA, but he is struggling heavily and some may even say that he has regressed since his rookie season. He has high value in a trade, as he could potentially net a first round pick on top of a more proven young player, or could be a key piece in getting another borderline all-star/all-star. The fact that he is still just 20 years old makes the idea of trading him that much less enticing.
Mason Plumlee: Plumlee is the least likely to be moved out of all the Pistons veterans. Plumlee’s contract includes a 10% trade kicker. Despite this, the Raptors and Nets have reportedly expressed interest in the Pistons big. Plumlee’s contractual stability on top of his consistent play lead to him having slightly above average value for a non-shooting center. Plumlee could likely net a player under the age 25 along with a second round pick depending on the team. The idea of trading him is enticing, but the lack of center depth on this roster make it unlikely.
Not getting traded:
Rodney Mcgruder, Dennis Smith Jr. and Josh Jackson: Mcgruder is being paid approximately 5.7 million dollars per year for this season and next season, but he brings veteran leadership and doesn’t carry much value in a trade. He is not unmovable, as he could probably help be a salary filler in a possible trade for an upper-level player. As for Jackson, he is on a relatively cheap deal, only 23, and has consistently put up 12+ points while coming off the bench. It doesn’t make much sense to move him, as just 3 years ago he was a top 5 pick and he has shown his potential. The same reasoning goes for Dennis Smith Jr. as the reward outweighs the risk of trading them.
Jerami Grant: Jerami Grant is on a very team-friendly deal. His contract makes him easily movable, but he has very high value and is only 26 years old, while playing like an all-star. I am told the Celtics, Trail Blazers, and Mavericks have all called and put offers on the table for the Pistons’ star, but Detroit has dismissed these offers and will not move him unless it is an offer so great it is impossible to decline. However, the idea of trading him is pretty interesting, as you could probably get 2 first round picks and a young player if a team gets desperate. Trading Grant is unlikely, at least at this years’ trade deadline.
Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart, Killian Hayes & Saben Lee: Troy Weaver is very high on the rookies and has labeled them as the ” core four.” Teams have called about the rookies but the Pistons have not listened or considered the offers on the table. These guys won’t be traded in any scenario.
Targets that the Pistons should be calling about:
Spencer Dinwiddie of the Brooklyn Nets has been linked with the Detroit Pistons as of late, the Pistons seem to be interested in the 27 year old guard. The belief is Dinwiddie would play alongside Killian Hayes in the starting lineup. Having two skilled playmakers with the ability to score would be obviously beneficial for Detroit.
Malik Monk of the Charlotte Hornets would be two younger players the Pistons could pursue. Monk provides scoring at the shooting guard position, which is the only position the Pistons don’t have a sure-fire piece of their future. Monk’s another player that the Pistons can take a flyer on, and is a free agent this summer much like Dennis Smith Jr.
Marvin Bagley‘s future in Sacramento is up in the air currently, and it is rumored the Kings are taking calls on the third year big man. His value, like Monk, is presumed to not be at it’s highest at the moment. Bagley has all the tools to be an elite big man in the NBA, however his production with the Kings has not been able to show this. Detroit could be a great landing spot for Bagley, and if Casey continues his incredible development system with Bagley, the Pistons could have one of the best centers in the Eastern Conference.
Piston Territory 