Three Guards the Detroit Pistons Could Trade For
With the NBA Trade Deadline approaching, the Detroit Pistons should be looking to trade for depth at the guard spot. Here are three names they should consider.
Over halfway through the season, the Detroit Pistons are above .500 at 22-21. The team's success has been nothing short of a shock—even to Pistons President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon.
As Detroit continues to win, so does Cade Cunninghham’s ascent to stardom.
The Pistons — once heavily reported to be a team willing to take on unwanted contracts at the deadline — now find themselves in a peculiar spot. With $14 million in cap space and an open roster spot, Detroit must consider upgrading the roster rather than taking on dead salary.
If the Pistons do decide to add a contributor or two to their roster, it is fairly obvious what the team needs. Cade Cunningham is being asked to do too much, in too many minutes. Especially with the loss of Jaden Ivey, it is imperative that Detroit adds another ballhandler who can help take a bit of the pressure off Cunningham.
Here are three guards Detroit could acquire to do just that:
Collin Sexton
Trading with Danny Ainge can be scary, but the Jazz are clearly open for business and Collin Sexton should be a prime trade target for several teams, including the Pistons.
In 29 minutes per game this season, Sexton has averaged 18.3 points and four assists on 48% from the field and 41.6% from the 3-point line.
While he may not be a traditional point guard, Sexton would add ballhandling and shooting. He is another player who can pressure opposing defenses and his intensity would fit well with a scrappy Detroit team.
The obstacle to acquiring Sexton will be his value. He is playing well and is likely not a piece the Jazz are looking to dump.
If the Pistons are buyers at the deadline, Sexton would be a great target to add to a team needing what he has to offer.
Lonzo Ball
I might swerve bend that corner woah…
Sorry, just saying what came to everyone’s mind when you read that name. And yes I know it’s former Piston LiAngelo Ball who wrote that banger.
But LiAngelo’s older brother, Lonzo, could be a real trade candidate for Detroit.
Ball isn’t going to wow you with his scoring, although he is taking five 3-pointers per game(!) this season.
It’s his ability to be a lead ball handler and facilitator that is most intriguing. He is averaging just under four assists in 20 minutes per game this season.
Ball is also a respectable defender with the ability to force turnovers. His ability to generate steals could play hand-in-hand with Detroit’s desire to get out and run in transition offense. Imagine Ball’s ability to set up the likes of Ausar Thompson, Ron Holland, and Jalen Duren as they run the floor.
The concerns with Ball of course start with his health. He does not play in back-to-backs and his minutes have been restricted this season. He has only appeared in 23 games.
He has also not shot the ball well — 36.5% from the field and 33% from behind the arc.
Ball is currently in the final year of contract, making just under $21.5 million.
With the cap space, roster spot, and second round picks that Trajan Langdon has at his disposal, he should be able to find a deal here IF he so desires.
Reggie Jackson
How about a reunion?
The Pistons might stick to their initial plan, taking on another team’s unwanted contract to add some draft capital. Even if that is the case, it doesn’t mean they can’t add another ballhandler to shore up a depleted backcourt.
Jackson has a minimal role in Philadelphia’s rotation right now and the cost to acquire him would be cheap.
On the season, Jackson has appeared in 24 games, scoring 4.0 points and 1.5 assists on 35% shooting from beyond the arc.
He would likely be the least impactful addition of the three names discussed today. However, any help at the point guard spot would be a good addition for Detroit at the deadline.
Who do you think the Pistons should trade for?