The Detroit Pistons are still in rebuild mode, and they have reportedly been interested in Sacramento Kings forward Marvin Bagley III.
Bagley has been unhappy with the Kings, and a trade would make sense for Sacramento and himself.
This is where the Pistons come in, as Bagley could be a great fit for them. He hasn't lived up to his full potential as the No. 2 overall pick in 2018, but the talent is clearly there.
Marvin Bagley III refused to check into the Kings’ game vs. the Suns on Monday, per @SeanCunninghampic.twitter.com/tNf27EUy0k
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 11, 2021
With that said, here are three reasons why the Pistons should trade for Bagley.
Why the Pistons Should Trade for Kings' Marvin Bagley III
3. Marvin Bagley still has potential
While Bagley's stint with the Kings hasn't worked out, he still has the skills to be a great player. He is a lob threat offensively with good rebounding. Bagley is great in the pick and roll and could grow more into a pick-and-pop threat. In his career so far, he has shot 31.4 percent from three, which is below league average.
If Bagley can improve to around 35 percent from behind the arc, he could become a lethal offensive threat. He also has the potential to improve on the defensive side of the ball. He doesn't need to become an elite defensive player like Anthony Davis, but improving his shot-blocking would go a long way.
With so much potential, Bagley could thrive in a new situation.
2. He can grow with the young core
The Pistons are in the midst of building up their young core. With that said, Bagley would have an excellent opportunity to grow as a player with Detroit. He could be in the starting lineup if they move on from Jerami Grant or could be in a sixth man role.
As contending teams are interested in acquiring him, Grant has been in trade rumors over the past two seasons. Even if he is not traded, Bagley would be in a great position to become a more impactful player.
CADE CUNNINGHAM ABSOLUTELY SAUCING SCOTTIE BARNES AND FINISHING AT THE RIM!!!!! pic.twitter.com/maMgcDPUBp
— Halbridious (@Halbridious) November 14, 2021
1. Marvin Bagley III fits well alongside Cade Cunningham
The biggest reason the Pistons should make this trade is to acquire a big that fits well alongside Cade Cunningham. Cunningham was taken with the first pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, and they need to build around him. Although Bagley hasn't lived up to his potential yet, he has put up solid numbers in his career.
He has averaged 14.4 points per game, along with 7.5 rebounds. These numbers haven't shown why he was taken with the second pick, but he could grow with Cunningham. Cunningham would reap the benefits of having a pick-and-roll lob threat that can also pick and pop.
In his rookie campaign, Cunningham has averaged 11.7 points per game along with 5.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists. He has shot at a low efficiency thus far, but fans should not be concerned. Trading for Bagley would help him improve his playmaking and give him easier looks.
The Pistons have an exciting road ahead as they try to get their team back to the playoffs. They are heading in the right direction with the rebuild, and acquiring a player like Bagley could be beneficial. He may not be an elite player yet, but he could become an integral part of Detroit's core in the years to come.
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