The Pistons have been searching for a top-tier point guard to pair with Blake Griffin, and the Rockets are reportedly open to trading Chris Paul. Could a deal be in the works this summer?
Here's why Detroit might give Houston a call.
- It may not look like it, but the Pistons are playing for right now, at least as long as they're shelling out money for Griffin. But they're not going anywhere without another bonafide star. Adding Paul to the roster would immediately elevate the team's short-term prospects.
- Remember, the Pistons made an earnest push to acquire Mike Conley from the Grizzlies this season, reportedly offering a first-round pick. Their commitment to upgrading the point guard position is real.
- Owner Tom Gores has been clear about his willingness to enter the luxury tax to acquire a top-level player. Paul, a nine-time All-Star, is owed about $124 million over the next three seasons, but that won't necessarily scare off Detroit.
- Because of that contract and the fact that Paul is 34 years old, the Rockets aren't really in a position to ask for a king's ransom. Maybe they won't trade him if they don't get it, but the price might not be as high as it was for Griffin.
With that said, here's why Detroit should probably put the phone down.
- The team already has a dire salary cap situation. Taking on Paul's contract would only make things worse -- even if Andre Drummond's deal came off the books in the process.
- Paul would surely make the Pistons better, but would their ceiling rise to the point of championship contention? Surely not. You're still stuck in the middle, only with another burdensome contract on your hands.
- The Pistons are not in a position to forfeit draft picks. They're still feeling the effects of losing their first-rounder in 2018 in the Griffin trade. For a small-market team, a good rebuild happens through the draft -- not through blockbuster trades.
- Griffin and Paul did not get along when they were teammates with the Clippers, especially toward the end. A reunion isn't really feasible.
With the Pistons coming off their first playoff berth in three years and Griffin earning an All-NBA nod, they might feel compelled to push their chips further into the middle. Gores probably wouldn't hesitate to do so. But his senior advisor and acting GM, Ed Stefanski, should -- and likely will -- steer clear of Paul.
