The Detroit Pistons made an unexpected deal with the Washington Wizards on Sunday.
The Detroit Pistons traded Marvin Bagley, Isaiah Livers, and two second-round picks to Washington in exchange for veterans Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala.
This move adds a seasoned presence to a Pistons squad that has struggled significantly. Detroit is 3-36 with a very poor victory percentage of.077. They have a fairly young roster, and Detroit has been unable to put it together this year.
Gallinari and Muscala will be veterans who can aid the Pistons. Gallinari has 26 games this season, averaging seven points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. The 35-year-old shoots 43.5% from the field and 31.3% from three. Muscala has played 24 games, averaging four points and 3.1 rebounds while shooting 36.7 percent from the field and 27.5 percent from deep.
Although the Pistons have struggled, they have some promising young players. Cade Cunningham, the No. 1 overall pick in 2021, is their major building block. Cunningham averages 22.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1 steal per game. He’s shooting 44.9 percent from the field and 33.5% from distance. Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, and Jalen Duren are all talented young players who will contribute to Detroit’s long-term success.
Gallinari and Muscala will mentor the Pistons’ young core.
With veteran acquisitions on the way, let’s look at the next move the Pistons should make.
The New York team is already active in the trade market. The Knicks traded RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley for OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn. Anunoby was the cornerstone of the transaction for New York since he is an excellent two-way player.
However, the Knicks did not put all of their eggs in one basket and could strike another deal. They have a lot of draft capital and the flexibility to make a move now while also leaving room for a big splash in the offseason. A deal for Bojan Bogdanovic would make sense.
Bogdanovic is under contract for this year and next, and he has performed well. The 34-year-old averages 19.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 steals. He’s shooting 46.7% from the floor and 40.7% from downtown. He may contribute as a scorer, floor spacer, and excellent defender for New York. Bogdanovic would not cost many assets, and he may help them become a legitimate Eastern Conference contender this season.
It would make sense for Detroit to deal Bogdanovic because he could bring significant value. New York may send Evan Fournier’s expiring contract plus draft compensation. Detroit might receive its first-round pick back from New York, which is protected. The Pistons may possibly trade a second-round pick in this draft to Utah or Cleveland.
After acquiring veterans Gallinari and Muscala, the Pistons are more willing to deal Bogdanovic. They may maximize his worth by dealing him now for an expiring contract and draft picks. Retaining complete rights to their first-round pick in the future may safeguard Detroit from having their pick transferred to New York.
The Pistons may make other changes at the trade deadline, since they have a lot of work to do to transform their culture. Detroit is far from contention, but in order to rebuild successfully, they must construct a better system.
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