Pistons: Analyzing 3 hypothetical NBA trade deadline deals

Mar 19, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Frank Jackson (5) reacts after a foul during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Frank Jackson (5) reacts after a foul during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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Detroit Pistons, NBA trade deadline
Detroit Pistons, NBA trade deadline Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Could the Detroit Pistons trade for KZ Okpala at the NBA trade deadline?

Wayne Ellington has ranged from excellent to “laser-wielding alien from outer space” in the shooting department this season. He can’t give you a whole lot beyond great and consistent shooting, but for a contender looking to stock up in that category, Ellington might be just the ticket.

The Miami Heat are more than familiar with Ellington, having had him on South Beach once before, and there’s no doubt that they’d love to get him back if the price is right.

As for what the Pistons get back, let’s take a look at the proposed deal.

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The proposed deal between the Pistons and Heat

Detroit gives up:

  • Wayne Ellington

Miami gives up:

  • KZ Okpala
  • 2022 PHI/DEN second-round pick

Okpala is a second-year prospect, selected 41st overall by the Heat in the 2019-20 NBA draft. He has played just 25 games this season for Miami, and his appearances have been intermittent through much of the campaign.

He doesn’t have the high pedigree that Weaver seems to like in his reclamation projects, but if the Pistons could get him for the low price of a Wayne Ellington who absolutely must go, it’s hard to see a downside here.

Verdict: Pursue