The Detroit Pistons have crucial offseason decisions to make. The pending free agencies of Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Dennis Schröder will determine how aggressive the Pistons can be elsewhere. While GM Trajan Langdon will likely try to retain Beasley and Schröder, the future of Hardaway Jr. remains uncertain. The Pistons would be wise to find an upgrade on his starting spot while getting younger and cheaper.
Pistons insider Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press mentioned a potential trade target who would be the perfect replacement for Hardaway Jr. Sankofa identified Celtics sharpshooter Sam Hauser as a player the Pistons can trade for, describing him as "attainable".
" A third option — trading for Sam Hauser, whose four-year, $45 million extension kicks in next season. The 27-year-old 6-foot-8 wing, a career 42% shooter from 3, is on the books for $10 million next season. He's far more attainable and a more likely target than either Holiday or Porzingis."Omari Sankofa II, Detroit Free Press
The Celtics have a looming cap crisis, which will lead them to part ways with several high-paid contributors this summer. Hauser, who will begin a four-year, $45 million deal with the team, is a prime candidate to be moved when Boston needs to shed salary. Not only would his contract be a bargain deal for Detroit, but Hauser would also be an immediate upgrade over THJ.
Even though Hardaway Jr. was deployed as Detroit's top shooting weapon, he is underqualified for that role. He was never a good enough shooter to make up for his deficiencies on the other end of the floor. Hauser, on the other hand, is an elite marksman, hitting over 40% of his threes in each of his four seasons in the NBA. Plus, he has more length and size, giving him the ability to guard bigger players and play multiple positions.
The Pistons may have to part ways with a protected first-round pick to acquire Hauser. Considering that he is the exact type of player Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson need, the Pistons need to seriously consider giving up real value to get him.