Trajan Langdon’s first press conference as president of the Detroit Pistons received mixed reactions from fans.
Many appreciated his confidence, calm demeanor, and clear vision for the team. However, Langdon did not appear eager to make drastic roster changes, emphasizing player development and avoiding shortcuts.
He also mentioned the potential of taking on contracts in exchange for assets, a strategy not fully utilized by his predecessor, Troy Weaver, who mostly acquired salary dumps with minimal return beyond future second-round picks.
If Langdon believes the team can’t become a playoff contender in one summer, this cautious approach might be wise, even if it frustrates fans eager for immediate success after years of struggles.
If the Pistons opt for this approach, they’ll have numerous opportunities since several teams are looking to offload salary, potentially offering players who could benefit Detroit or bring in valuable assets.
10 Contracts the Detroit Pistons can take on for assets
#10: Mitchell Robinson
The Knicks are determined to retain Isaiah Hartenstein, which could result in the possibility of Mitchell Robinson being traded to free up salary space, as reported by Jake Fisher of Yahoo Sports.
Robinson has approximately $26 million remaining on his contract over the next two years, making it a feasible option for the Pistons to take on. He possesses the skills as a rim protector and shot blocker that the Pistons could benefit from when he is playing at full health. However, his frequent injury history poses a concern, making it essential for the Pistons to receive an asset in return for acquiring him.
With the Knicks owning the 24th and 25th picks in the draft, in addition to a future owed pick from the Pistons which may not materialize, they could potentially offer one of these picks in exchange for taking on Mitchell. Securing Robinson would be a logical move for the Pistons since he fits the profile of a veteran they require, capable of competing for the starting spot or providing backup to Duren.
#9: Clint Capela
Capela, like Mitchell, is a veteran center still capable of delivering solid performances. Last season, he averaged a double-double and 1.5 blocks per game. With one year and $22 million left on his contract, the Hawks aren’t desperate to offload him.
Atlanta might not offer the Pistons a significant return just to take Capela, but they could consider packaging him with another player or a future pick.
#8: DeAndre Hunter
Hunter could be the additional player. He’s a versatile 3-and-D wing with a reasonable contract, and the Hawks have been looking to trade him for some time. This season, he improved his defense and three-point shooting, hitting over 38% on 5.3 attempts per game.
For the Pistons to absorb $40 million in unwanted contracts, Atlanta would likely need to include a pick or two. While Capela and Hunter would improve Detroit’s roster, their long-term value is debatable given the high cost.
#7: Tim Hardaway Jr
I’ve expressed my stance on this: I wouldn’t consider taking on Tim Hardaway Jr. unless there’s a significant asset included. It feels like a repeat of the Alec Burks situation—a veteran player who is decent but not impactful enough, while potentially taking playing time from younger talents.
Hardaway Jr. maintains a modest 35% shooting accuracy from long range and is on the less desirable side of 30. Although he has just one year and $17 million remaining on his contract, it exceeds his current value.
This is the point where Langdon must take a different approach than Troy Weaver did and assertively negotiate. The Pistons have often supported teams like the Knicks and Nets with minimal return. Those days need to end.
If the Pistons are to shoulder another team’s underperforming asset and alleviate their financial strain, they should expect suitable compensation, and a mere second-round pick won’t suffice.
While Hardaway Jr. may not be as diminished as Joe Harris, the Pistons should still resist taking on his overpriced contract without receiving compensation in return.
#6a: Kevin Huerter
The Kings have reportedly been trying to leverage Kevin Huerter’s contract in trade talks for players like Zach LaVine.
Huerter, though his 3-point shooting declined this season, is still a valuable player at 25 and provides a skill set the Pistons need.
With two years and around $33 million left on his deal, acquiring him wouldn’t significantly impact the Pistons’ long-term plans.
Given Huerter’s value and the Kings’ need to create cap space while pursuing star players, they likely won’t demand a hefty return to trade him. This could be a scenario where the Pistons take on multiple contracts.
#6b: Harrison Barnes
Harrison Barnes remains a productive role player who rarely misses games, making his 3-and-D skills appealing to the Pistons.
If the Kings can’t find a deal for their desired player involving Huerter and Barnes, they might consider offloading them to Detroit without much compensation. Both players are still useful and aren’t on burdensome contracts, so this wouldn’t be a bad move for the Pistons.
#5: Nikola Vucevic
Looking solely at Vucevic’s statistical output, it may seem like he’s still a solid player, but his 3-point shooting has taken a nosedive this season.
On paper, adding a veteran center who can shoot 3-pointers would seem like a good move for the Pistons, but actual games aren’t played on paper.
Vucevic is a poor defender, even worse than Duren, so he wouldn’t provide much help in that area. Additionally, he’s owed over $40 million over the next two seasons.
The Bulls would like to offload his contract, but they’re also a frugal team without many draft picks to offer just to unload Vucevic.
#4: Zach LaVine
Taking on both Vucevic and LaVine could be a possibility, but the Pistons would require other assets to make it happen, and Chicago lacks those assets.
LaVine’s contract is problematic due to his injury history, and he’s only won one more playoff game than Ausar Thompson.
This would consume all of the Pistons’ cap space on a questionable center and a player in LaVine who might ultimately be a significant financial burden.
I need assets to make this deal work, and I doubt the Bulls would be willing to part with them. Offering the 11th pick in the draft could kick-start the conversation.
#3: Andrew Wiggins
Assessing Wiggins’ market value is challenging, given his recent history as an All-Star 3-and-D wing followed by a decline last season.
At nearly 30 years old with three years remaining on his contract, the Warriors may need to offload Wiggins’ salary if they aim to make a significant addition while retaining Klay Thompson.
Considering the Warriors’ urgency, why should the Pistons assist them without gaining anything in return? It’s conceivable that the Pistons could participate in a three-way trade, allowing the Warriors to acquire the star they desire while Detroit absorbs Wiggins’ contract.
If they could secure a late first-round pick in exchange for their cooperation, this could prove to be a reasonable course of action.
#2: Jerami Grant
Grant’s contract is approaching a point where it could become burdensome, but it hasn’t reached that stage yet, considering his skill as a player and the impending increase in the salary cap.
However, Portland is approaching the second tax apron and performing poorly, a combination that puts them in a challenging position. They will likely seek to reduce payroll urgently, as very few teams in rebuilding mode are also dealing with luxury tax concerns.
In this scenario, the Pistons must take a firm stance. There are few teams capable of directly absorbing Grant’s contract, so if I were Detroit, I would insist on receiving at least one of their first-round picks to consider the trade.
Given that Portland has multiple first-round picks, this could be a plausible option to explore on draft day.
#1: Ben Simmons
The highly unfavorable contract is finally approaching its end, with Simmons having just one year and $40 million remaining on his deal.
Langdon will have knowledge of Simmons’ performance, or lack thereof, and is also very familiar with the Nets.
If they intend to pursue star players this summer instead of rebuilding from scratch, shedding Simmons’ contract would be crucial.
The challenge lies in their limited assets to offer in exchange, but would they be willing to include a first-round pick? It would probably have to be one from Phoenix or far into the future.
If the Nets are looking to offload Simmons, they will have to make a significant payment.
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