Detroit Pistons mentioned as team hoping for “a big move” on draft night
By Zac Snyder
The Detroit Pistons currently hold just the 12th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft but they could be looking to make a bigger than expected splash tonight.
The Detroit Pistons could be described as a team in no man’s land. They are still young, but took a step back last season in missing the playoffs and are expected to enter next season above the salary cap. Their fortunes didn’t turn in the draft lottery, sticking with their standings slotted spot with the 12th overall pick in a draft touted for its top ten.
It will take something more than patience and hope to move forward and it sounds like it could be during tonight’s NBA Draft that the Pistons make their move. According to Ric Bucher, the Pistons are one of the teams “hoping to make a big move” tonight.
Cle, Ind, Bos & NY have generated the most buzz but other teams hoping to make a big move are CHI, SA, MIN, OKC & DET. Could be a fun night.
— Ric Bucher (@RicBucher) June 22, 2017
There are a lot of things that could qualify as “a big move” but the one that has been out there today is a deal involving Andre Drummond.
Matt Dery tweeted about interest in Drummond from the Sacramento Kings in a potential deal for Arron Afflalo and the tenth overall pick in tonight’s draft. There would have to be more to it than that because the salaries don’t match, but anything additional may amount to spare parts. With Drummond out of town and the 10th and 12th picks in tow, the Pistons would be on track to quickly remake their team for the short and long term.
A Drummond for DeAndre Jordan swap between the Pistons and Los Angeles Clippers has also been in the rumor mill, although that potential deal may not have implications for what happens in the draft tonight.
Of course, it’s possible the Pistons could make a big move that doesn’t involve Andre Drummond. Or, perhaps they try but nothing materializes at all.
Next: Tigers targeting Dodgers prospect
It has been mostly a quiet pre-draft process for the Pistons. They currently hold just the 12th pick in the draft with their second round pick going to the Utah Jazz as a result of a previous trade. That situation could have meant Pistons fans were in for a boring night, but that may not be the case.