The Oklahoma City Thunder suffered an unexpected loss in the Conference Finals, leaving them with serious questions heading into the offseason. Now, they are faced with the biggest payroll in the league for next season and a desperate need to reshuffle the roster to earn back their title favorite status. This presents an opportunity for the rest of the NBA, including the Detroit Pistons.
Another team that is in desperate need of improvement next season is the Pistons. They have to make changes to the roster as they have to add more playmaking and shooting. An underrated OKC backup could give them the offensive boost they are looking for.
OKC Thunder may give Pistons the shooter they are desperately looking for
Isaiah Joe is near the top of the list of trade candidates in OKC. The 26-year-old shooting guard has been playing a big role in the regular season, but was marginalized in this year's playoff run. He was squeezed out of the rotation in OKC's crowded backcourt. After seeing 21.2 minutes during the regular season, Joe was sparingly used in the series against the Spurs.
Given that he is due $11.3 million for next season and that the Thunder project to be above the second apron, Joe will likely be on the trade block in the offseason. Trading the veteran sharpshooter without taking much salary in return would be a great way for the Thunder to save significant money.
The Pistons could provide the Thunder with what they are looking for. Not only do the Pistons have the cap space and draft capital to bring Joe in, but they also have a clear need for his services.
Joe has hit over 40% of his threes in each of the past four seasons ever since he joined OKC. He can get threes up in volume and can make them at an elite clip. He can shoot them coming off screens, spotting up, or in transition.
Plus, he is not the type of player who will hurt the Pistons on the defensive side of the ball. He is not a high-end defender, but he can hold his own there. He has championship experience and was able to stay on the court defensively against elite opposition.
All of this makes Joe an ideal trade target. Detroit shouldn't break the bank for the former second-round pick, but giving up a protected future first-rounder to add one of the most underrated shooters in the league makes a ton of sense. Whether this is the type of move GM Trajan Langdon will consider remains to be seen.
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