The Detroit Pistons couldn’t wait to get free agency started as they traded for Joe Harris according to Shams Charania of the Athletic. They acquired the Brooklyn Nets sharpshooter about three hours before the 6 p.m. EST start time for the NBA’s free agency period.

It appears the Pistons benefited from the new CBA going into effect which would see top teams shed salary. They utilized available cap space to acquire Harris’s expiring $19.9M contract along with two second-round picks from the Nets.

This is strategy GM Troy Weaver said they’d be “prepared for”, and this time it landed them more outside shooting.

How are you feeling about the addition of Joe Harris?#Pistons #NBA pic.twitter.com/i6KpDtypWl

— Woodward Pistons (@WoodwardPistons) June 30, 2023

How Harris Fits

Joe Harris comes to Detroit along with a 43.7% career three point percentage on just under five attempts per game. Shooting from the wing position is something Troy Weaver wanted to add this off season. So this trade comes at no surprise, though it’s not the Net’s player many fans have clamored after in Cam Johnson. Johnson is a restricted free agent so it will be more difficult to secure his services in a Pistons uniform.

Harris won’t command the same usage or need the same offensive touches as Bojan Bogdanovic, but can provide similar benefits. This is key when considering Bojan Bogdanovic may be on the trading block according to various reports.

The Pistons have the opportunity to gain more assets towards building a winner by trading Bogdanovic. Similar to Jerami Grant, Bogdanovic will serve Pistons well whether on the roster or in a trade as he’s wanted by other teams.

Having other players that other teams desire has been a tough place for the Pistons to reach. So it will be interesting to see how Weaver continues to tool and restore the Pistons as free agency begins.

Looks like Troy Weaver has set a trade value for Bojan Bogdanovic according to reports #Pistons #NBA pic.twitter.com/hIDptj8ADC

— Woodward Pistons (@WoodwardPistons) June 30, 2023