Pistons trade Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren, their 2024 second round pick via NYK, 2027 second round pick, and a protected 2027 first round pick for New Orleans Pelicans star Brandon Ingram.
With the exceptional play of Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, both extremely valuable and important wings to the Pelicans' offense and defense, the question arises: among the Pelicans' big three wings - Brandon Ingram, Herb Jones, and Trey Murphy III - who will the Pelicans pay and play?
As the answer becomes increasingly clear regarding who fits and who is more valuable alongside Pelicans cornerstone Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram has found himself involved in many trade talks.
With the absolute failure of a season the Pistons have just endured, it's obvious that they need to get anyone and everyone to help repair this sinking ship before Cade and Ausar decide to abandon it. I propose that adding an elite creation and scoring wing such as Brandon Ingram would be the perfect fit next to Cade Cunningham. Detroit's best season since entering their rebuild, was when they paired Cade with a scoring/handling wing, Jerami Grant. Since trading away their scoring/handling wing the Pistons have gone 17-65 (22-23), and 14-68 (23-24). Amassing an overall record of 31-133 (.189).
Pistons trade away combo-guard Jaden Ivey, and rebounding machine Jalen Duren, a 2024 second round pick, 2027 second round pick, and a protected 2027 first for NOLA Pelicans star Brandon Ingram.
The Detroit Pistons finalize a deal to sign-and-trade former second overall pick James Wiseman to Utah. Utah signs and trades veteran backup point guard Kris Dunn, sending him to Detroit. Detroit also sends F Troy Brown Jr. and their 2027 second round pick.
The Pistons lacked a true backup point guard all season long. Some may remember Killian Hayes and Monte Morris' stint this season, although neither made any real impact apart from increasing the loss column and being a familiar face on the injury report.
Given this dilemma, I've examined numerous names that could be available this off-season and concluded that Utah Jazz PG Kris Dunn would be a realistic and optimal trade option.
With the addition of Keyonte George via the loaded 2023 NBA Draft, the Jazz have gradually reduced the playing time of veteran PG Kris Dunn. He went from nearly 26 MPG last season (25.8) to just under 19 MPG this season (18.9). With the 2024 NBA Draft around the corner and Dunn's upcoming free-agency, I believe the Utah Jazz will either move entirely away from Dunn or deal him for assets. Especially considering Utah will most likely be in the 8-10 draft pick range, where a good enough guard in a relatively bad class will land. Whether it be Castle, Dillingham, Topic, Sheppard, or Isaiah Collier, at least one of those names will be available most likely.
The Jazz have lacked true center-play this season, playing Omer Yurtseven only 48 games (11.4 MPG), Walker Kessler 64 (23.3 MPG), and 7 footer Lauri Markkanen 55 games. Maybe they use the same rationale the Pistons did and decide to take a low-risk swing and trade a veteran PG for the young big, James Wiseman, as well as Troy Brown Jr. and a 2027 second as filler.
The Pistons Free-Agency Question
Looking at the first two moves made, I think that, although controversial among fans, the Tobias Harris move is the right one. Our team is bad, it takes more than just one backup PG and one Brandon Ingram to fix the various issues with the team, whether it be spacing, wing creation, backup guard creation, and defense. And adding an extra wing scorer/handler like Tobias, who isn't a negative on defense, can do a lot to improve the lack of wing depth and wing scoring variety the Pistons have.
Another addition I would consider if I were the Pistons would be the former Cavalier and current Spur wing, Cedi Osman. The current Spur as had his name mentioned in trade talks during the deadline, and the Pistons should absolutely pursue him. The 6'7 wing has been 4.1 3PA on 37% shooting for 3 past seasons on .600 3PAr while consistently providing good defense.
Some of the no-brainer moves.
Re-sign Simone Fontecchio on a four year deal.
Re-sign Quentin Grimes
Extend Cade Cunningham
Let everybody else walk
Alexandre Sarr
Hopefully the Pistons get the first pick and draft Alexandre Sarr, and the Pistons get their defensive anchor of the future to pair with Cade Cunningham.
New Starting Lineup and Bench
Cade Cunningham - Brandon Ingram - Ausar Thompson - Tobias Harris - Alexandre Sarr
Kris Dunn - Quentin Grimes - Cedi Osman - Simone Fontecchio - Isaiah Stewart
Feedback
Be sure to leave feedback, where you believe I overpaid, where you believe I underpaid, and why you think either side would, or would not do the deal.