Trajan Langdon just lately admitted that the 2024-2025 season Detroit Pistons had been higher than anticipated.
The primary-year president of basketball operations modified his tone barely nearly midway by means of the season. At first of the 12 months, the Pistons had been nonetheless rebuilding candidates with out even fascinated about the NBA Playoffs.
Contemplating the Pistons have been within the playoffs for many of the 12 months, it is laborious to disclaim the information. The Pistons are significantly better and will tweak their typical commerce deadline technique.
Two issues have gotten evident because the commerce deadline approaches. First, the Pistons are contemplating going consumers this time round.
Second, the Pistons should not make a significant transfer to amass one of many huge names who seem like the more than likely candidates to land a brand new vacation spot.
One identify that hasn’t been talked about as a lot is Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton. Lately, Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz inspired the Pistons to name the Jazz to inquire about Sexton, as he could possibly be a practical goal for Detroit.
“Sexton needs to be a extra reasonably priced choice that also meets the identical wants,” Swartz wrote after suggesting a possible deal for Portland’s Anfernee Simons, who does not appear more likely to be minimize right now.
Earlier in Sexton’s profession, he performed quite a bit with the ball. Since arriving in Utah in 2022-23, Sexton has seen extra motion as a shooter.
The Pistons most likely would not be on the lookout for a beginning taking pictures guard to pair alongside Cade Cunningham if Jaden Ivey did not get injured. Sadly, that’s not their actuality proper now.
Ivey just isn’t but dominated out long-term, however he underwent main surgical procedure after an harm that pressured him to be carried off on a stretcher. Many consider his return would come very late within the 12 months if he does not miss the remainder of the season.
Including a participant like Sexton might assist the Pistons fill the Ivey void.
Earlier than taking place, Ivey was averaging 18 factors on 41 p.c taking pictures in three video games in 30 video games.
In 39 video games with the Jazz this 12 months, Sexton averaged 18 factors on 42 p.c taking pictures from deep.
Sexton can be a direct assistant and is aware of Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff.
Nonetheless, he’s making an $18.3 million wage this 12 months and is below contract for greater than $19 million subsequent season.
Ivey is anticipated to return to the Pistons with a crew choice value $10.1 million in 2025-26. At simply 22 years outdated, the Pistons want to start out fascinated about their future with Ivey and have the funds out there for a probably important extension sooner or later.
If the Pistons are considering short-term, going for Sexton could possibly be a optimistic state of affairs. If they don’t seem to be fairly able to embark on a win-now transfer, it could most likely be greatest to fly below the radar and sit up for free company subsequent summer time.
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