Detroit Pistons Trade Deadline Recap: Issue Resolved
The Pistons added a desperately-needed backup ball-handler to the roster, and not a moment too soon.
Whew.
It was a hectic few days across the NBA with big names like Luka Doncic, Jimmy Butler, and Brandon Ingram all changing teams. But as the only team in the league with cap space, what did the Detroit Pistons do?
They solved their biggest problem: backup point guard. And it is a convoluted trade, so lets break it all down.
Yesterday, the Pistons made a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers to acquire forward KJ Martin and two second-round picks for cash considerations. The purpose of this is to help get the Sixers some salary relief - essentially a cost-cutting move. That trade was not finalized until today because it eventually became part of a larger deal.
Also last night, the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors agreed on a deal to send Butler to the Bay Area, which necessitated a third and fourth team to take on salary. The Utah Jazz ended up with Dennis Schroder in the process. Detroit got in on the deal and took Josh Richardson and Lindy Waters III to help facilitate the blockbuster move.
Then, with about 20 minutes before the deadline passed, the Pistons agreed to send Richardson, Martin, and a second-round pick to Utah for Schroder.
So, all in all, the Pistons ended up with Schroder, Waters, and two second-rounders.
Not a flashy deadline, but it was an effective one for the Pistons. They preserve financial flexibility heading into next season, acquired a smidge of draft capital, and most importantly get a backup ball handler that the team desperately needed.
Schroder was traded from the Brooklyn Nets to he Warriors earlier this season. Now, he will finish the year helping the Pistons make a run to the playoffs. The 31-year-old is averaging 14.4 points and 5.5 assists per game on 41.8% shooting, but he was much worse after getting traded to Golden State.
Nevertheless, the Pistons filled a hole on their roster and didn’t break the bank to get there. Plus, Cade Cunningham gets some relief with another playmaker on the roster.