The Detroit Pistons are in need of depth to surround ascending superstar Cade Cunningham, and the Portland Trail Blazers' deep roster could make them a good trade partner.
The Pistons were expected to be buyers to build off their surprising regular-season 60-win finish atop the Eastern Conference. They ignored the opportunity at the deadline, and those unaddressed roster needs were exposed in the postseason. Detroit has continued to have a relatively quiet offseason, with the Eastern Conference only getting stronger thanks to the shuffling of superstars around the league.
The Blazers were also pegged as potential buyers at the deadline to make a playoff push. Their only move came on the margins with the acquisition of Atlanta Hawks sharpshooter Vit Krejci. Portland impressively managed to make the postseason regardless after performing well in the play-in tournament.
They did trade for Ja Morant to add more talent this summer. Still, the small amount of assets Portland surrendered signals that they continue to play the long game in the rebuild. While they don't plan on buying out Jrue Holiday despite the sudden backcourt logjam, it's worth exploring what trades are at least out there.
Blazers floated as potential trade partner for Pistons
That's a trade possibility recently brought up by Motor City Hoops' Bryce Simon on the Game Theory Podcast with Sam Vecenie. He's intrigued by Portland's trade match with Detroit because of logjams in both the backcourt and frontcourt being areas of need, something like Jrue Holiday and one of Branden Carlson or Micah Potter, for instance.
That could even be more of a midseason trade to make before February's trade deadline. Portland would have a better chance to evaluate its revamped backcourt and whether Holiday is more expendable.
Detroit, in all likelihood, would realize their relative stagnance and reliance on the internal improvement of Cunningham and a young core isn't enough to remain king of the hill. That was already apparent during the Knicks' dominant postseason run, but with even more teams joining in the race this offseason, the Pistons are going to have to make a win-now trade for someone like Holiday.
Simon notes that Detroit's lack of bigger expiring salaries adds another layer of complexity, so perhaps this could be the framework of a multi-team deal. Regardless of the specific pieces moved, it's becoming increasingly clear that the Pistons and Blazers are ideal trade partners for one another.
Portland added more playmaking help alongside rising star Deni Avdija. Detroit, still seeking to achieve the same with Cunningham, should see if it can follow suit.
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