Detroit Pistons: Analyzing a LaMelo Ball-centric trade with the Timberwolves

Does this trade work for the Detroit Pistons?

There is plenty to like about this trade from the perspective of the Detroit Pistons. But first off, here’s Swartz’s take on the deal:

"Detroit is clearly rebuilding, yet it doesn’t possess any young star to actually build around just yet. Ball would breathe some life into a franchise that finished dead last in attendance rate this season and could help make the team competitive in the short term with Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose still around."

The Pistons are indeed a rebuilding team without any true building block, unless you’re an optimist and consider Sekou Doumbouya to be that. LaMelo Ball could be just that building block, and he can learn from experienced and accomplished veterans like Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose.

As for the departure of Luke Kennard, he was on the trading block this past trade deadline but the deal with the Phoenix Suns fell through when pick protections couldn’t be agreed upon. Kennard missed the final two and a half months of last season with knee tendinitis, and the Pistons are no strangers to either tendinitis or knee injuries in general.

Knee tendinitis is chronic and will be something Kennard will need to deal with for the rest of his career, and it will almost surely cause him to miss time in the future. If the Pistons can get some value for him before it’s too late, they should strike while the iron is hot.