The Detroit Pistons are at a crossroads after going down 3-1 to the New York Knicks in their first round playoff series. Despite the 94-93 loss in Game 4 on Sunday – and the no-call on Tim Hardaway Jr.’s potential game winner – the Pistons have a lot to be proud of this season. Their first playoff win since 2008 and a 44-38 regular season record has the franchise on the rise.
Now, trade rumors are swirling as general manager Trajan Langdon looks to build around superstar point guard Cade Cunningham. One name that’s popping up? Memphis Grizzlies’ two-time All-Star Ja Morant.
Why Ja Morant Could Be the Missing Piece?
At 25 years old, Ja Morant is already one of the most exciting players in the NBA. With his highlight reel dunks, elite playmaking and scoring ability, Morant averaged 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, 4.1 rebounds this season and shot 45.4% from the field. He’d be the missing piece that puts the Pistons from playoff hopefuls to championship contenders.
But why would the Grizzlies trade their franchise player? According to ClutchPoints’ Bailey Bassett, changes are coming in Memphis.
“Changes are coming in Memphis, and the Grizzlies might be tired of Morant being the leader,” Bassett wrote Tuesday afternoon. “The Detroit Pistons are a sneaky team that could make a move for Morant if he ends up on the block.”
If paired with Cade Cunningham, Morant would be one of the deadliest backcourts in the league – a duo that could dominate the East for years to come.
What the Trade Would Look Like?
The Pistons could offer a package centered around Jaden Ivey, Tobias Harris and three first-round draft picks to the Grizzlies. Trading away young talent like Ivey might hurt but getting Morant could be the kind of move that puts Detroit back on top.
For the Pistons who have shown flashes but lack a true second star Morant is the perfect complement to Cunningham. Together they could create an offense the East hasn’t seen in years.
Is This the Right Move for Detroit?
While pairing Morant with Cunningham sounds great it’s worth asking is this the best path? The Pistons already have a strong core of young talent in Cunningham, Ivey and Isaiah Stewart. Morant would certainly raise their ceiling but could also disrupt team chemistry or limit future flexibility.
Instead of chasing another ball dominant guard Langdon might opt to surround Cunningham with a top tier wing or frontcourt player. A versatile scorer or defensive anchor could round out the starting five and give them a more balanced approach to competing in the East.
A Bright Future Either Way
Even without a blockbuster trade the Pistons future looks good. They proved they can compete at a high level against the Knicks. If Langdon can add the right pieces through free agency or trades Detroit could be a playoff team and maybe even a championship team in the near future.
Leave a Reply