Detroit Pistons: Acquiring Russell Westbrook is a Real Possibility
By Bob Heyrman
It’s a simple question to ask; should the Detroit Pistons engage in trade talks with the Oklahoma City Thunder in hopes of landing superstar point guard Russell Westbrook?
The answer is much more difficult to answer. The Detroit Pistons are tight against the cap so they would have to be interested in either moving a couple of young prospects, first round picks, along with the proper salary exchanged with veteran players to make the deal work.
Many rumors have the Pistons returning point guard Reggie Jackson back to OKC, remember that’s where he requested a trade from, but this time he’d be the starting guard plus he only has one year remaining on his deal so he’d be able to pick a new destination next summer if he chooses. Jackson is due to make $18-million this season.
Other players that continue to be mentioned to make the money work are Tony Snell, a player the Detroit Pistons just acquired in a trade with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Pistons sent Jon Leuer to the Bucks for Snell and a first-round pick (30) in this past draft. Snell has two years left on his deal; he’s set to make $11.5-million this year.
Detroit later flipped the first-round pick for four additional future second-round picks. Langston Galloway, Thon Maker, Andre Drummond, Luke Kennard, and rookie Sekou Doumbouya have all been mentioned in some capacity in various trade scenarios.