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) /

7 of 10

Detroit Pistons (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves are in a precarious if enviable, position. They have two young All-Stars locked up on max contracts and are looking forward to adding another top prospect with the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft.

Unfortunately, that comes with a hefty cap hit while the franchise will be hoping to re-sign Malik Beasley and replace Juan Hernangomez and continuing to build around Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell. The team will only have roughly $7 million in cap space, adding in the projected salary of the top pick, before attempting to re-sign Beasley and that leaves them little room to do so and bring people in.

Should James Johnson pick up his player option, could he be moved to help alleviate some space? That option is for $15.8 million and he simply does not bring that value to their roster. Minnesota has plenty of picks to spare and could help refill the second round coffers, as previously suggested with the Lakers, and would allow them to bring back their expired potential star with a little room to spare.

Johnson would bring a veteran presence to the Pistons locker room and could fit the mold for what the Grizzlies did last season. He would be perfect to flip at the deadline next season for a team looking to add another role player as they look to contend. This is worth the call for the Detroit Pistons.

Home/Detroit Pistons