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Detroit Pistons: Analyzing a “surprise” trade for CJ McCollum

By Duncan Smith

DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 05: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket in front of CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the an NBA game at Little Caesars Arena on February 5, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 05: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket in front of CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the an NBA game at Little Caesars Arena on February 5, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /
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Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Does this trade work for the Detroit Pistons?

The conditions of this trade include a swap of 2020 first-round picks, so we know that this deal will take place before the draft as currently stated. That means the Pistons will get another $7.2 million in cap space to work with in free agency, as CJ McCollum’s 2020-21 salary is $29.3 million, compared to Blake Griffin’s $36.5 million.

Do the Pistons necessarily need $37 million in cap space this offseason? Not necessarily, but cap space is a tool in any season, so if you can maximize it, you should do so.

The downside of this contract swap is that while Griffin’s is only two more years, McCollum signed an extension last offseason and has four years left on his deal. In addition, McCollum is 29 and will be making $35.8 million in 2023-24, his age-33 season.

While McCollum isn’t the youngest player in the league, he’s a talented ball-handler, playmaker and scorer, and he would immediately become the No. 1 scoring option on this team. Last season he averaged 22.2 points, 4.4 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game with shooting splits of .451/.379/.757.

Last season was actually a down shooting season for him as he’s a 39.7 percent career shooter from 3-point range. McCollum is a dynamic scorer and will likely thrive as the clear first option after settling in the No. 2 spot behind Damian Lillard for his entire career thus far.

This is a good deal for the Pistons.

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