The Detroit Pistons' desperate need to add more shooting is well-documented. The Eastern Conference leaders have excellent depth and quality up and down the roster, but are still lacking in shooting, which limits their offensive ceiling. If the Pistons come up short in the playoffs, their lack of spacing and offensive firepower will likely be the reason.
Therefore, if the Pistons make any significant moves before the February 5 trade deadline, it will have to be for an elite shooter. One of the first names that comes to mind after the phrase "elite shooter" is Klay Thompson, and he may be available at the deadline. The Mavericks are pivoting and have already made Anthony Davis available, signaling a rebuild. The 35-year-old sharpshooter is a natural trade candidate, and one the Pistons should pursue.
Klay Thompson Is a Fascinating Trade Target for the Pistons
Trading for Thompson wouldn't require significant draft capital from the Pistons. Matching salaries with Caris LeVert and a few second-round picks should seal the deal, since Dallas could use LeVert's shot creation.
Thompson makes $16.6 million this season and is under contract for $17.4 million for next season. At this stage of his career, he is not a positive asset on that contract, but he may be able to give Detroit exactly what they are looking for. Since joining the Mavs, Thompson has taken 7.7 3-pointers in 25.6 minutes per game and made 38.3 percent of them. That is the type of volume and accuracy the Pistons don't have outside of Duncan Robinson.
At the peak of his powers, Thompson was arguably the best 3-and-D player in the league. He is no longer at that level defensively, since he has lost a step athletically due to age and injuries. In Detroit, however, he will be surrounded by elite athletes and defenders. Similar to his role in Dallas, he could play between 20 and 25 minutes per game and space the floor for the Cade Cunningham-Jalen Duren duo.
What makes Thompson a special offensive player is the versatility of his jump shot. He can shoot off the dribble, coming off screens, off a catch, and without needing much time or space. He needs to be guarded when he doesn't have the ball, the moment he crosses halfcourt. This type of off-ball gravity opens up the floor for the rest of the Pistons' offense, making them a more difficult team to guard.
The Pistons have an abundance of ball handlers on the perimeter after Jaden Ivey's return and Daniss Jenkins' emergence. There is little need for LeVert. Turning him into an elite shooter is something the front office has to look into.