The Detroit Pistons have the No. 21 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. In addition to free agency and the trade market, this will be another way for the Pistons to try to add more shooting and playmaking. While it's definitely possible to find a difference-maker at No. 21, the odds go significantly down as you are further removed from the top half of the first round.
That is why a potential trade-up shouldn't be ruled out. The Athletic's Hunter Patterson reported earlier this week that Cameron Carr, "the near-perfect fit for Detroit," may not be available at No. 21 for the Pistons.
The Baylor product is an excellent athlete and a shooter, and projects to be a solid three-and-D player. He may not solve the Pistons' playmaking needs, but he can be an ideal complementary player next to Cade Cunningham. He was also mentioned by draft expert Sam Vecenie in his mock draft among the four prospects who are likely Pistons targets.
Per Patterson, however, Carr is one of the biggest risers and isn't expected to slip all the way to 21. This potentially increases the likelihood of a draft-day trade by the Pistons. What would a trade scenario where the Pistons move up a couple of spots look like?
A potential three-team trade between the Pistons, Thunder, and the Pelicans could satisfy the needs of all three teams.
OKC has two first-round picks in the draft, but doesn't have the roster spots or the developmental minutes to bring in two more rookies. They are a likely trade candidate, and in this scenario, they give up one of their picks at No. 17. They also send out Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams while getting back Herb Jones and Yves Missi.
The Thunder get cheaper in this deal, which will be a big priority for them this summer. Thanks to the addition of Herb Jones, they can let Lu Dort go, which would save them a ton of money. Missi could replace Jaylin Williams in the rotation.
The Pelicans, who are reportedly interested in trading back into the first round, get the Pistons' No. 21 pick. In addition, they get Ron Holland from Detroit and Williams from OKC, two players who fill a clear need there, in exchange for Jones and Missi.
Most importantly, the Pistons climb up four spots in the draft. This trade would obviously only work if the Pistons knew that Carr, or the prospect they are targeting, would be there at No. 17. The only price the Pistons pay here is converting Holland to Isaiah Joe.
This adds $3.7 million to Detroit's payroll next year, but Joe is a useful player who would be in the Pistons' rotation as an elite shooter off the bench.
This trade may be more complex than it ultimately will be, but as a general framework for a draft-day trade, it makes sense. The Pistons have to give up something of value to move up in the draft, and Holland could end up as that sacrifice.
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