The Detroit Pistons are heading into a crucial offseason in which they have to make tough decisions on key players. The decisions on Malik Beasley, Dennis Schröder, and Tim Hardaway Jr. aside, Detroit needs to improve the roster via free agency and the trade market. The Eastern Conference is wide open, and the Pistons have a chance to catapult themselves into contender status with a couple of savvy moves.
One advantage the Pistons have this offseason is the fact that they need help across different positions and roles. They could use more shooting, forward depth, two-way players, and shot creation. If they can get a player who can check a few of those boxes, Detroit can take a significant step forward.
A player who fits that mold is Jabari Smith Jr. of the Houston Rockets. The former third-overall pick has emerged as a solid defensive option who can guard multiple positions and protect the rim, while playing all frontcourt positions. He is not an elite shooter yet, but has established himself as a real threat from both beyond the arc and in the mid-range. He is still only 22 years old and fits Detroit's timeline.
Pistons Must Target Jabari Smith Jr. on the Trade Market
To acquire Smith, the Pistons likely need to part ways with Isaiah Stewart and a first-round pick.
Stewart has had an underrated season off the bench, emerging as an excellent rim protector and rebounder for the Pistons. He also provides much-appreciated toughness and intensity to the team, making him a beloved player in Detroit.
Losing Stewart would certainly hurt, but Detroit needs to make tough decisions. The future of the center position belongs to Jalen Duren, and it will be hard to find Stewart enough minutes going forward. Smith, with his ability to stretch the floor while being able to play-small five, could be a better fit for Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson in the future.
Smith has fallen behind in the pecking order in Houston after the emergence of Amen Thompson this season. The Rockets should be interested in adding more draft capital while finding a Steven Adams replacement in Stewart. Whether either team would have an interest in such a move this offseason remains to be seen.