When the Orlando Magic traded for Desmond Bane over the weekend, "the Pistons got punched in the jaw," says Mike Valenti. "And they gotta counter."
The Magic, says Valenti, made a "brilliant trade" with the Grizzlies "that speaks to the fact that the East is open and the time is now." To enhance the duo of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, plus Jalen Suggs, the Magic got "a top-40 player in the sport and a perfect 2-guard to Suggs" who was actually "built to be a Piston." And now, "Orlando is better than you are."
Bane would have been the perfect backcourt mate for Cade Cunningham as someone who "guards, is a great three-point shooter, a diverse player, a good passer," says Valenti. "As for the four first-round picks that the Magic parted with, "this is what Pistons fans need to learn: If you're going to be any good, the picks don’t matter."
"The CBA is designed so that you’re not going to be able to keep your team together. You know what Orlando said? 'Here’s a three-year window, because we’re not going to be able to pay everybody.'"
With all that in mind, has the pressure increased on Pistons boss Trajan Langdon to make a move up to upgrade Detroit's roster? To Valenti, the team to target is the Celtics. And the players to inquire about are Derrick White and Jaylen Brown:
"Derrick White would be the move if you wanted it. And I know: he ain't Kobe in his prime. But do you want one of the best two-way guards in the league? Yes. Do you want a guy who can absolutely be the primary ball-handler in the fourth quarter so Cade could go off ball? Yes. Do you want one of the best defensive guards? Yes. Led the league in blocks by a guard -- yes. Do you want a deadeye shooter from three? Yes. Championship pedigree? Check."
More than ever, says Valenti, "the Pistons must make a move." Standing pat and banking on internal growth "isn't good enough," because "teams in the NBA have limited windows," even Detroit. Why? Cunningham is on a max deal, and Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren are both extension-eligible.
"How much time do you think you have to 'Let it Cook?' Versus, make move."