The Detroit Pistons may not be the laughingstock of the NBA in 2024, but there are plenty of ways for them to strengthen their roster.
The franchise could trade for an established Phoenix Suns big man to replace a center who’s made a few questionable decisions on the hardwood.
“There is clearly a mandate for the Pistons to make measurable progress,” Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale wrote last Wednesday.
“Going from (Isaiah) Stewart to (Jusuf) Nurkić flies in the face of that logic and compromises some of Detroit's spacier lineups.”
“This shouldn't matter. The Pistons are not on the verge of emerging from their rebuild. Exchanging Stewart for one of the league's most valuable first-round picks does more for Detroit's future whether it's viewed as a trade chip or down-the-line prospect addition. Phoenix's end of this proposal feels shakier.”
“Stewart may well deliver a convincing Brook Lopez impression under head coach Mike Budenholzer and is signed through 2027-28 at a flat rate of $15 million per year."
"Is he good enough for the Suns to unload their best remaining trade chip? And if not, would Detroit including some seconds that Phoenix can bandy about the league in other deals do the trick?”
In Favale’s hypothetical trade, the Pistons would send Stewart to the Suns for Nurkić and a Top 3 protected 2031 first-round pick.
Stewart, a fifth-year pro out of Washington, doesn’t have the best track record in the NBA.
From charging at LeBron James after a hard, unintentional foul to dangerously grabbing Giannis Antetokounmpo out of the air, Stewart has had his fair share of mental lapses.
Extracurricular activities aside, Stewart has showcased his exceptionally high motor in a Pistons uniform. He isn't the most polished big man in the NBA, but he’s a physical low-post player who doesn’t boast a reputation for taking plays off.
The 2021 lottery pick is averaging 6.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per contest while shooting 56.9% from the field.
However, there’s no question Nurkić would be an upgrade for J.B. Bickerstaff and the Pistons.
The 7-foot center lacks vertical explosion, but he’s a calculated veteran who refuses to let his opponents dictate his next move.
At age 30, Nurkić is the type of player who can immediately elevate the Pistons while possessing the ability to stick around the organization for a decent number of years.
He’s netting 8.8 points and pulling down 10.1 rebounds per game this season for the Suns.
Acquiring Nurkić and a future first-round pick would probably give Detroit the best chance to achieve long-term success.
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