Detroit Pistons: 9 possible trades to use their cap space

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 09: Al Horford #42 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth quarter at Visa Athletic Center at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 09, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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Detroit Pistons (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets immediately get much more expensive next season as Jamal Murray’s contract extension kicks in, jumping from $4.4 million cap hit this season to $29.2 million next year. Even with Paul Millsap and Mason Plumlee coming off the books, the Nuggets will have minimal cap space to replace them and make the roster better.

Gary Harris should be the odd man out, missing plenty of time this season in the bubble without the team seeming to miss a beat. He is averaging a career-worst in points per game (10.4) while shooting his worst since his rookie season. He is still on the books for $19.1 million next season and $20.5 million the following season.

The Pistons could absorb the contract without sending anything back, ideally taking on a first-round pick in the process. The Nuggets own the Houston Rockets’ first-round pick this season (no. 22 overall) as well as their own future picks. Given that this team looks to be getting better going forward, snagging the pick this season seems clutch.

Harris would be returning to the state he starred in during this college career at Michigan State and would have a chance to still grow with any young players the Pistons obtain over the next two seasons. While it feels like he has been in the league forever, Harris is still just 25. The risk is worth the salary price.

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