The Detroit Pistons are putting on a masterclass of tanking this season. They have one of the worst records in the NBA but their young guys are showing potential. Cade Cunningham looks like the real deal and Marvin Bagley III is starting to look solid. A myriad of other youngsters has Detroit ready for the long road ahead.
But with losing and prioritizing young players comes the realization that trading away veterans is a key step in rebuilding. The Pistons don't have many of them anyway — only four of the players that are top 10 in total minutes are older than 24 years old — but it's worth trading them.
Detroit should load up on young guys while they are still among the worst teams in the league. Dealing away the few veterans they have — including one in particular that they really should trade — should only help chances at finding a core of players that can grow into a playoff-caliber team.
3 players Pistons must trade in 2022 NBA offseason
3. Cory Joseph
Assuming Joseph takes his player option worth $5 million for next season, Detroit should look to trade the veteran point guard to a more competitive team. Although this isn't a high-priority move, the Pistons should look to someone younger for a backup point guard.
The 30-year-old Joseph played 65 games this season, averaging 8.0 points and 3.6 assists and shooting a career-high 41.4 percent from downtown. Although this shooting season is a huge outlier across his career, his steady play should make him a desirable backup for any playoff team. Since the Pistons are not that, they should let the veteran play on a competitive team and give his role to their youngsters.
Killian Hayes still has to prove he is worthy of a first-round pick but has shown some promise this season. He would be a solid option behind Cunningham. Saben Lee had some intriguing moments as a rookie and Detroit should see if they have something in him while he is still on a cheap contract.
Joseph may not bring in more than a few small assets. Still, the Pistons should make this move to open up space for young guys to play off the bench. Point guard isn't the only spot they should do that.
2. Kelly Olynyk
Detroit only got half of a season out of Olynyk, who primarily came off the bench in the 38 contests he has played. With Bagley and Isaiah Stewart in place and Luka Garza needing to find minutes, the Pistons should trade Olynyk and allow their young guys to take the big-man responsibilities.
Olynyk is due $12 million next season and the next, though it is only a partial guarantee for the second year. Any team looking for a bench piece should be interested in him. He averaged 9.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game in 19.0 minutes with Detroit. He took on a much bigger playmaking responsibility this season, which should increase his appeal.
The Pistons may only get a very late pick for Olynyk. A trade that small would still be worth it. Finding more minutes for their young players is the best course of action.
1. Jerami Grant
The Pistons couldn't find a deal they liked for one of the most sought-after players at this season's trade deadline. Although both sides are fine moving forward together, there are draft picks and/or young players out there that fit the team's timeline better than the 27-year-old Grant.
Grant would be an upgrade to any team he joins. His scoring abilities have increased and his defense remains versatile and effective. In 47 games, he averaged 19.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. He shot 35.8 percent from deep on 5.4 attempts. His talent is obvious, which is why the Pistons should prioritize finding him a new home this offseason.
Teams should be lining up for Grant and offer very valuable assets, possibly even first-round picks. Detroit should cash in on Grant's improvements and trade him.