Pistons: Analyzing 3 hypothetical NBA trade deadline deals

Could the Detroit Pistons trade for Zach Collins and Nassir Little?

Along with Wayne Ellington, the other Piston most likely to go is Delon Wright. He’s in year two of a three-year, $28 million contract, and he’s been solid in spurts this season. Wright is more of a two than a one, ideally, but Killian Hayes’ injury and the roster upheaval the Pistons underwent have forced him into that point guard role a bit more than you’d like.

The Portland Trail Blazers are a team that could use some of that guard depth and versatility he provides. Wright could play a more suitable reserve combo guard role behind Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.

The proposed deal between the Pistons and Blazers

Detroit gives up:

• Delon Wright

Portland gives up:

• Zach Collins
• Nassir Little
• 2022 second-rounder

This might actually be a price too high to pay for the Blazers, although the Pistons would probably jump at the opportunity of getting more reclamation projects and a second-round pick for Wright, who is another must-go.

Zach Collins has been consistently injury-plagued over his last two seasons, playing just 11 games last year and exactly zero games this year, so the Blazers might just be happy to get something for nothing in his case.

Nassir Little was the 25th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, and it’s almost certain that his best days are ahead of him. He hasn’t stood out for the Blazers this season and has only played 25 games, but if there’s somebody Troy Weaver loves, it’s a first-round pick that isn’t getting much run.

The only thing he loves more is a wing with exceptional length, and the 6’5″ Little has a 7’1″ wingspan. That’s a Weaver guy.

Verdict: Pursue