DPCTrades #PistonBoyRuc
I think I really found something to build around this time....
Pistons - DeAndre Hunter, Marvin Bagley, Jalen Johnson, ATL 2022 RD1 (OKC), ATL 2022 RD1 Hawks - Jerami Grant, Tristan Thompson
Kings - Danilo Gallinari, Hamidou Diallo, Pistons 2023 RD2 (CLE or GSW), Pistons 2024 RD2 (SAC)
WHY PISTONS
DeAndre Hunter has been in limbo with the Hawks for a while. His health and having to compete for minutes with the most talented youth group in the NBA has caused him to be unable to fully reach his potential so far. Ironically, his potential seems to be very Jerami Grant-ish. Along with him, the Pistons add another young talent who hasn't really been able to get his feet planted entirely in the NBA. That's Marvin Bagley who is rumored to LOVE Detroit. Along with these two super athletic and lengthy forwards, the Pistons also add another super athletic player in rookie Jalen Johnson. You get the pattern by now. The Pistons get more athletic. Adding two potential picks in the 2022 draft, one that is top 14 protected, and another that will be at the back end of the draft gives them likely 3 picks in next year's draft. The sky is the limit from there as the Pistons continue to build around #1 pick Cade Cunningham.
WHY HAWKS
To some, it may seem like overpay but Jerami Grant is an absolute threat as a 2nd or 3rd scoring option on a championship contender. With Grant/Collins/Capela on the court as defenders, not only can they score in bunches being led by Trae Young but they can really frustrate any team in the NBA. Tristan Thompson is a savvy vet who hustles hard and has championship experience. They also don't need those 2022 picks due to all of the young talent they already have! They'd still have Reddish, Hueter, Okungwu, Shariff Cooper on rookie/cheap deals. One of those might not even come to them in 2022 and the other would be way back in the draft. Gallinari has struggled to find his footing with all the depth that the Hawks have and Hunter has struggled to stay healthy, meanwhile Grant is one of the most durable players in the NBA. He was also a part of Team USA's gold medal team last year and is well-loved and respected around the entire league. That should say a lot about who the Hawks are getting. The question isn't really "Why Hawks", it's "Why not???".
WHY KINGS
Well firstly, they have no need for Tristan Thompson, and he barely has any trade value in the first place except for on a contender who'd value his veteran presence. As far as Bagley goes, they played their hand for too long and have lost major leverage. To come out of this trade with Gallo who is a quality veteran shooter and defender that just needs more playing time (18 mins this year due to ATL log jam), Diallo who could use new scenery and seems to also be ready to move on from Detroit, and two 2nd round picks is actually a win and no less than even at this point. I can actually see the Kings having a fire sale over the next couple of years. After drafting Haliburton and Davion Mitchell, you have to believe that DeAaron Fox will have a new home soon because he brings in a TON of value to them. Buddy Hield has also been in trade rumors over the last 3 years. It's not hard to believe they'll pull the plug, tank a year, and build a new roster. While I'm talking about it, Harrison Barnes could also land them a first-rounder for sure.