Pistons general manager Troy Weaver says he’s open to trading the No. 5 overall pick, according to Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press.
During a pre-draft press conference on Tuesday, Weaver indicated he’s intrigued by the talent level at that spot but wouldn’t rule out a swap.
“We’re still open to improving the team, absolutely,” he said. “Do we like the players that we’ve been vetting out at five? Absolutely. We’re still open to different opportunities as well. Definitely still looking at all of our options to improve the team. These top-five, top-seven picks are valuable because it’s unpredictable after one.”
Weaver said he’s ready to pounce if the right opportunity comes along. He used the Knicks’ desire to shed salary last year to work out a three-team, draft-night swap that landed the Pistons another lottery pick, which they used on Jalen Duren. Weaver could also use the team’s cap space — projected to be around $30MM — to acquire contracts from teams looking to dump salary with future assets attached.
“There could be some vulnerable situations that we could take advantage of and we want to be prepared and working hard to make sure that if those opportunities are afforded, we’re there,” Weaver said, as relayed by Keith Langlois of Pistons.com.
If the Pistons keep their pick — or even if they move down a few spots — Weaver will seek a potential star over a safer option.
“I like the long ball,” he said. “I’m not bunting or trying to slap it into short center. I take a big swing. Especially if I only have one chance at it. If I have three chances, OK, I may bunt one. But one chance at it, I’m going for the big fly. That’s me.”
Weaver added that new head coach Monty Williams has been an active participant in draft evaluations.
“Since he’s been hired, he’s been a part of everything — the interviews, the on-court workouts and watching film,” Weaver said. “He’s jumped in with two feet, he’s ready and has a lot of keen insight on players that we really value.”
I’d like to send Draymond or Poole back to Pistons
Poole and #19 for 5
Add Kuminga and you’ve got a deal.
Kuminga and 19 for 5
I said no
This year
4 and 5 are not much
First of all, totally unreal proposal, because they can only trade Draymond with a sign and trade and they ain’t gonna do that.
Anyway, they don’t need the fifth pick to draft a center in this draft which is what they need. I’d trade Poole for Duren and some salary match, but the Pistons are not gonna do THAT.
It’s not feasible to trade Draymond to Pistons now but in February, anything can happen.
Draymond doesn’t sign an extension with the Warriors if he plans on being traded. If he signs an extension with Golden State for 3 years he and Curry will retire together (Im guessing with Klay as well if he can go that long)
Perhaps, but the concept of moving one of them with a first-round swap is worth exploring more.
Weaver will draft another Big Man.
He’s building a team to compete in the 1990s NBA.
– Stewart, Duren, Bagley, Wiseman, Nerlens
Noel was bought out last season. Bagley and Stewart are more power forwards but no they won’t be adding a big. Would not be surprised to see beef stu moved
DeMar DeRozan & future Blazers’ 1st for #5 would be an ideal return for the Bulls. DeRozan’s presence this next year (and after if/when extended) could really help Pistons growth. He’d be an excellent 6th man scorer later in his career, and would immediately pay dividends in the locker room.
Be careful, Weaver. If Monty doesn’t like whoever you bring in, he’s going to pout and torpedo their value to the detriment of the team.
Speaking of, great job giving him that ridiculous contract! It will be the gift that keeps on giving.
Cope
He’s right. Monty will be asking poor wiseman, Duren and Bagley to guard Steph curry and Westbrook etc etc etc etc. so overrated
Pistons should go after Ayton and Anunoby or Jaylen Brown this off season. Or make a push for Vucevic.
No thanks! Anunoby is obviously interesting but probably ungettable, Brown even more so. And a new starting center? Watch some Duren film, especially his passing chops. You have to give him a chance to be their 5 of the future.
Mavs 10, Josh Green, and thj for 5
Why ?????
Maybe trying to get Indy to slide up to 5 from 7 and gain a extra pick or player.
Why?????
Jordan Clarkson 3 first that jazz have for MB3, Hays, #5.. Pistons still own 4 picks in top 31 selection in this scenario they get a proven scorer off the bench in clackaon.. hays gets a fresh start and MB3 is thrown in for salary cap matching purposes and helps the logjam at the center position.. jazz move up into lottery to get there guy .. weaver and ainge are both unpredictable gms I expect a deal like this between them I think Detroit moves back and tries to get a guy like Grady dick who can provide instant 3 point ability and defense on the wing..
Weaver about to make a huge mistake
Please tell us the future
They will do what Atlanta did a couple seasons ago and mess the blue print up
All the picks after Wembenyama are projects.
If Weaver can extract some value, and add talent to Detroit’s roster I think its a good idea.
The draft is weak, and I don’t think Detroit’s roster can improve without dealing that pick.
Depends what they get, but sounds like a fairly good idea if the return commensurate
He’s a project. Hasn’t done anything yet.
Even Scoot Henderson is a project? I was wondering what it would take for the Pistons to move to #3 to get him. Henderson, Ivey and Cunningham. Hopefully convince a decent FA to come to Detroit since we have all this cap space. Which we haven’t been able to in the past.
They would have to trade Cunningham to get Henderson
In this draft, the value of #5 is nowhere near the value of top 3 picks.
DET does have cap space to add to a deal (being able to absorb salary of a pricy veteran without taking back much, if anything, in $$). Depending on the trade partner, that might have real value. It’s the kind of deal which should already be close if it’s realistically going to happen.
Probably more noise from Weaver, who has professed a willingness to move his high lottery pick the two seasons (even with the 1st overall). Of course, he probably would be for the right deal, but that’s true of any team.