97.1 The Ticket -- The Detroit Pistons are reportedly making a big move on the eve of Thursday's NBA Draft, acquiring guard Tony Snell and an additional first-round draft pick from the Milwaukee Bucks.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported late Wednesday night the Pistons are sending Jon Leuer to Milwaukee in exchange for Snell and the 30th pick in the draft. The Pistons still hold the 15th overall pick, meaning they will have two first-round picks for the first time since 2007.
With two years left on his contract, Snell has a salary cap hit of $11.59 million for the 2019-20 season and a cap hit of $12.38 million in 20-21. Leuer was due $9.5 million next season, the final year on his contract.
So the Pistons will be have the 15th and 30th picks in the draft on Thursday. Bucks saved $4M in salary this year, and won't have Snell's $12M in salary on books for 2020-21.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 20, 2019Pistons will have approx $44 million coming off the books after upcoming season ($73 if Drummond opts out). Patience plus a shrewd move or two and they can reposition themselves quite nicely. pic.twitter.com/ljMJANdSHZ
— Ryan Field (@RyanFieldABC) June 19, 2019Snell figures to provide the Pistons some much-needed help on the wings, while a second first-round pick gives acting general manager Ed Stefanski more flexability to take a risk on a boom-or-bust type player, or perhaps explore the idea of trading up on Thursday night.
Snell, who spent the first three seasons of his career with the Bulls, averaged 6.0 points in just under 18 minutes per game last season for the Bucks, who compiled the best record in the NBA.
Leuer, a former Wisconsin Badger, returns to the team that picked him in the second round of the 2011 NBA Draft. He averaged 7.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game in three seasons with the Pistons.
