Pistons general manager Troy Weaver said last week the team would definitely consider moving up the draft board -- could their landing spot be No. 2?
In his latest mock draft, ESPN's Jonathan Givony notes the Pistons are 'among the candidates' to swing a trade with the Warriors, who are currently picking second. And Detroit might have the perfect player to facilitate a deal.
"The Warriors actively have been discussing trades, including scenarios that would net them a starting-caliber frontcourt player along with a pick in the top 10," writes Givony. "The Bulls, Pistons and Knicks are among the candidates to trade up to No. 2."
So: Blake Griffin and the No. 7 pick for the No. 2 pick? The Pistons would obviously have to take on a contract from the Warriors to make the deal work, and Golden State might have the perfect piece for Detroit in Andrew Wiggins. This very trade has already been rumored.
Of note: Givony has LaMelo Ball going first overall to the Timberwolves. So in this scenario, Detroit wouldn't be trading up for the top point guard in the draft. Instead, the Pistons would likely be choosing between Georgia G Anthony Edwards and Memphis C James Wiseman.
But if the Pistons believe the Timberwolves are eyeing either Edwards or Wiseman, they'd be in perfect position at No. 2 to take Ball, who they're planning to meet with before the draft next Wednesday.
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If the Pistons wind up standing pat at No. 7, Givony has them taking Florida State F Patrick Williams -- one pick ahead of Iowa State PG Tyrese Haliburton. Williams, one of the top recruits in the country in 2019, averaged 9.2 points and earned ACC All-Freshman honors last season. He's meeting with the Pistons on Thursday.
"The big winner of the pre-draft process thus far, Williams rocketed into the top 10 as NBA teams gained a comfort level with his film and watched combo forwards in his mold make a significant impact in the playoffs," writes Givony. "His defensive versatility is coveted in today's NBA, and the flashes he showed as a playmaker and shooter are areas that can theoretically be honed into consistent weapons with a strong player development infrastructure."
As for Haliburton, another rumored target of the Pistons, Givony says No. 8 is "the low end of his draft range" and notes "he is also getting looks from Minnesota, Golden State, Chicago and Detroit."