It is no secret that the Detroit Pistons are looking to add another offensive engine next to Cade Cunningham this summer. GM Trajan Langdon is expected to be aggressive in trading for a star creator who can get the Pistons to title contention.
While it's excellent to see reporting about Detroit's willingness to take a big swing in the trade market, it's important to make sure they don't swing for the wrong player.
Jake Fischer of the Stein Line confirmed on Monday that the Pistons, along with the Nets and the Timberwolves, are "highly interested in adding some of that off-the-dribble playmaking this offseason." Unfortunately, he also confirmed that Kyrie Irving, a top Pistons target, isn't expected to be available.
This creates a risky situation where the Pistons go for ill-fitting alternatives. Two players who fit this mold are Ja Morant and Trae Young.
Not every star guard is a good fit in Detroit
Fischer reported that "a few teams out there which have begun weighing the prospect of pursuing" Young.
Morant is also considered to be on the trade block as the Grizzlies look to continue their rebuild after trading Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. over the last year.
Besides the Miami Heat, Fischer didn't name any teams that are interested in these All-Star point guards, but Pistons fans have to hope that Detroit isn't one of them.
Yes, the Pistons need more shot creation, ball-handling, and playmaking. However, that can't come at the expense of their defensive identity. It also can't exacerbate their shooting problems.
Morant is a terrible fit on both ends of the floor. He is a bad defender whose effort on that end of the floor leaves plenty to be desired. He is also one of the worst three-point shooters of his position, making him a poor off-ball player. For him to be effective, the Pistons would need to give the ball to Morant, which is not a good idea when they have Cunningham on the floor.
Plus, Morant hasn't played seven consecutive games in over three years, suiting up for only 79 games in the last three seasons. That type of availability makes him very difficult to depend on for a title contender.
Young brings similar, if not worse, defensive concerns. He is a much better shooter than Morant, to be sure, but he also doesn't do anything off the ball. His shooting numbers and efficiency have taken a hit over the last several years. In a league that is getting bigger, faster, and more physical every year, it's becoming increasingly harder to win a championship with Young.
There is also the question of what the Pistons would have to give up for these stars. Young has a player option for $48.9 million for next season, and Morant is due $42.1 million. Even though they wouldn't require significant draft capital to acquire, that is a huge financial burden to take on for Detroit, which has to pay Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson this summer.
Let's hope that Langdon and the front office don't feel too desperate if they miss out on their preferred trade targets. Trading for a star just to trade for one would be a disastrous mistake.
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