The Pistons and Trail Blazers are considering a strange trade.
Trajan Langdon’s recent contract signing with the Detroit Pistons hasn’t settled yet, making it challenging to anticipate his forthcoming decisions in the Motor City.
The Pistons face a significant task this summer, whether they opt for a complete overhaul of their front office, coaching staff, and roster or opt for more subtle adjustments. Their aim will be to rectify the issues that led to their worst-ever season.
Speculation has been rife about the Pistons possibly swapping Jalen Duren for a wing player and acquiring a more effective rim protector, a move that holds some logic. Even if they resist trading the 20-year-old Duren, known for his double-double performances, they still need to bolster their center position with someone who excels in rim protection and floor-spacing abilities.
A recent proposal from Bleacher Report, suggesting a trade of Evan Fournier and a 2030 first-round pick for Deandre Ayton, defies logic for the Pistons. The notion of acquiring Ayton, a player they’ve been linked to previously, made some sense in the past but appears counterintuitive now with Duren onboard.
Both Duren and Ayton are traditional centers with similar playing styles, focusing on inside scoring and rebounding without significant shot-blocking abilities. Opting for another player like Ayton seems illogical for Detroit, especially given Duren’s potential to surpass Ayton in key statistical categories next season and his age and contract status.
Moreover, including Evan Fournier in the deal, who still has a team option remaining on his $19 million contract, raises questions about Portland’s willingness to take on such a financial burden for a player who may not contribute significantly.
Overall, the proposed trade doesn’t benefit either team, particularly the Pistons, who require a rim protector and floor-spacer rather than another center without these attributes. It’s a trade proposal that doesn’t make sense and should be dismissed outright.
