Pistons: Analyzing 3 hypothetical NBA trade deadline deals
By Duncan Smith
Could the Detroit Pistons trade for Jarrett Culver at the NBA trade deadline?
In the Troy Weaver era, the Detroit Pistons have displayed a penchant for young reclamation projects; highly-regarded prospects who for one reason or another have been given up on by their franchise.
The Minnesota Timberwolves haven’t given up on Jarrett Culver, but it hasn’t been a great start to his career. He’s been sidelined by injuries and hindered by poor play, and considering the wing logjam in Minnesota, they may decide to cut their losses and move on.
And that’s Troy Weaver’s music.
The proposed deal between the Pistons and Timberwolves
Detroit gives up:
- Rodney McGruder
- 2023 CLE/GSW second-round pick
Minnesota gives up:
- Jarrett Culver
McGruder has been surprisingly productive for the Pistons in limited action, but he’s not on their timeline as he’s in his age-29 season. As a perk for the Timberwolves, his $5.37 million 2021 salary is non-guaranteed, so this deal would allow them to fully rid themselves of any salary impact in addition to getting the 2023 pick that the Pistons got in exchange for Andre Drummond last year.
This would be a low-risk investment from the Pistons and if this deal is available, they should go for it.