The Detroit Pistons run the Eastern Conference, sitting at 30-10 and in first place. However, with the Boston Celtics destroying expectations and following close behind, the Pistons may want to make a move to solidify their hold on the East.
Fansided’s Bradley Rowland proposes they do that by trading for Brooklyn Nets star forward Michael Porter Jr. Porter would bring more shooting to the Pistons, and a true second scorer to bring attention away from Cade Cunningham.
“One reason that Detroit would be looking at Porter Jr. Is to provide more shooting gravity. At present, only Robinson would be described as a top-tier shooter among Detroit's core rotation players, and the Pistons might want to add Porter Jr. To Robinson, rather than swapping the two in a transaction…Another piece would go a long way, though, and Porter Jr. Might be the best mix of talent and price that is available to Detroit this cycle,” Rowland wrote.
So far this season, Porter is averaging 25.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, while shooting almost 50% from the floor and 40% from deep. He’s also likely to be the Nets’ All-Star representative, which would give Cunningham his first All-Star teammate in his career.
Rowland also floated five guys that the Pistons could trade to make sure their payroll stays the same: Tobias Harris, who makes $26.6 million; Duncan Robinson, who makes $16.8 million; Caris LeVert, who makes $14.1 million; Jaden Ivey, who makes $10.1 million; and Ron Holland, who makes $8.6 million. The Pistons could mix and match from these guys to trade to Brooklyn, and keep their payroll around the same.
The Pistons are on track to make it deep into the playoffs, but there is the unknown factor that could come back to bite them. If they want to ensure at least a conference finals appearance, getting Porter would be the move to make.
MORE NBA CONTENT
Former Grizzlies star Dillon Brooks takes shot at Memphis, says they "fell off"