The Pistons continue to struggle but changes may be on the way. As most of you know by now, December 15th is the first day players that were signed as free agents in the offseason can be traded. With that in mind there are 2 trades that I would love to see Troy Weaver make once that day arrives.
TRADE 1: DET trades Cory Joseph to TOR for Chris Boucher
Why TOR might be interested. The Raptors are in a need of a backup PG and are loaded with big man depth, When all their bigs are healthy Boucher seems to be the odd man out. Joseph is also a Canadian Olympian and hometown favorite which could help the Pistons cause.
The Pistons desperately need some big man depth and Boucher would get an instant opportunity to earn a roatation spot while Olynyk is out. Boucher thrived last season when given a regular rotation spot but the additions of Scotty Barnes, Precious Achiuwa and Kheem Birch this year has majorly cut into his playing time. This trade would also free up the backup PG job for Saben Lee
TRADE 2: DET sends Josh Jackson to NYK for PG Kemba Walker.
Why the Knicks might be interested: Obviously the Kemba Walker expiriment did not work in New York. Walker not only lost his starting job, he was removed from the rotation completely. With the Knicks fighting for a playoff spot Jackson could be a mouch more useful player for the Knicks this season. Their former backup SF Alec Burks is now the starting PG so Jackson could provide an upgrade there over the little used Kenny Knox. Plus Walker is guaranteed $9.1M next year and that money could be better spent.
My plan would be to shut Kemba down for the rest of the year to rest his knee with the hope that he shows up much healtheir at training camp. If he's healthy i think he could be a dynamic sixth man for this team or even push Killian for the starting job. If healthy and he plays well he could become a major trade asset for the Pistons later that season. The trade is not without risk as Kemba makes $9.1M but if the Pistons can move on from Jospehs $5.1M the net difference of $4M in cap space would be well worth rolling the dice on.
Best case scenario Kemba comes back healthy, challeneges Killian for the starting job and either wins that or settles into a 6th man role. If he stays healthy and plays well he could have major trade value come the 2023 trade deadline.
Worst case scenario he's an overpaid backup PG, just like Cory Joseph would of been for us in 2022-23.
Pistons Depth Chart after trades:
PG: Hayes, Lee, Walker
SG: Cade, FJ, McGruder
SF: Bey, Diallo, Livers
PF: Grant, Bocuher, Lyles
C: Stewart, Olynyk, Garza
