The Detroit Pistons find themselves in the midst of a critical moment as the NBA’s trade deadline looms this Thursday. With the Pistons at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, they could be considered sellers, but that’s not a foregone conclusion.
The primary topic of discussion among rival teams and Detroit has been Bojan Bogdanović, Alec Burks and Saddiq Bey. League sources say that Detroit hasn’t shown much urgency to move off of Bogdanović and Burks, both on friendly contracts for another season, as they would benefit the Pistons in their quest to move up the standings next season. However, of the three players, Bey may be the most “gettable” due to the need for the Pistons to start thinking about contract extensions for him, Isaiah Stewart and Killian Hayes.
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Detroit Pistons in the eyes of those around the league…
In the eyes of those around the league, the presence and efficient scoring of Bogdanović, who plays a similar role to Bey, makes Bey more expendable. Despite this, Detroit won’t trade Bey unless there is an offer they can’t refuse. The Detroit Pistons could take two of the three 2020 first-round draft picks all the way through next season into restricted free agency, allowing them to see where Bogdanović is at that stage of his career before making a final decision on Bey’s future. Nerlens Noel is also a hot name around the league. The veteran center has proved he can still defend the rim with the best of them. These talents would be valuable to a contender looking to add front court depth prior to the playoffs.
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Along with the potential trade of Burks or Bey, the Pistons are reportedly searching for a defensive-minded wing. Detroit has reportedly maintained that they would require quality draft capital to acquire the two players. It remains to be seen if the Pistons will be able to acquire a versatile defender before the deadline, but it’s a possibility that shouldn’t be ruled out.
3 Potential Detroit Pistons Trades
Boston Celtics
- Pistons Receive: Malcolm Brogdon (PG), Grant Williams (PF) + 2024 1st round pick
- Celtics Receive: Nerlens Noel (C) + Alec Burks (SG)
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
New York Knicks
- Pistons Receive: Immanuel Quickley (PG), Cam Reddish (SF) + 2023 1st round pick (via DET)
- Knicks Receive: Saddiq Bey (SF) and Killian Kayes (PG)
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Wizards
- Pistons Receive: Kyle Kuzma (SF/PF) + 2024 1st round pick
- Wozards Receive: Nerlens Noel (C) and Saddiq Bey (SF)
Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
In conclusion, the Detroit Pistons find themselves in a critical moment as they approach the trade deadline. While the focus has primarily been on Bogdanović, Burks, and Bey, the Pistons are also on the hunt for a defensive-minded wing. As of now, there’s no guarantee that the Pistons will be sellers, and they have a number of options to consider as they look to the future.
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