The Detroit Pistons have made a trade to acquire forward Bojan Bogdanovic in a deal with the Utah Jazz. In return, the Pistons will be sending big man Kelly Olynyk and the third year guard Saben Lee. The trade was originally reported by Shams Sherania, and confirmed by James Edwards III. As a result of this trade, the Pistons have improved immediately. Bogdanovic is a career 15 point per game scorer, and is a lethal shooter from beyond the arc. In addition, Bojan can switch on the perimiter and defend bigs as well if need be. Not only could Bogdanovic come of the bench, but he could be a consistent starter as well.

Not only was Troy Weaver able to improve the roster, but he did so without giving up any picks. And considering the fact that Utah was reportedly looking for a first round pick, this haul comes as surprising. Teams like the Lakers and many other contending teams surely had interest in the forward. And not only that, but Bogdanovic is on an expiring contract, compared to Olynyk’s two years left on his deal. The Detroit Pistons both shed salary and got the best basketball player in the trade. Something that in this league is very rare to do. Weaver was able to flip two bench rotation players for a starting caliber four that can stretch the floor.

Did the Detroit Pistons just get competitive?

After making this trade, one could argue the Detroit Pistons are in a position to compete for the play in tournament. In addition to veterans like Bogdanovic and Alec Burks, comes a talented young core of draft selections. Cade Cunningham will now be surrounded by shooting, athletes, and a team that can be stout defensively. And even if Detroit ultimately doesn’t compete for the play in, the Pistons have flexibility to shed cap space and get more assets. Being on an expiring contract, Bogdanovic could potentially be traded at the deadline, and could be of value to contending teams. And if Detroit is a good fit for Bojan, they could potentially extend him on a team friendly deal.

More than likely, Bojan Bogdanovic will start the season in the starting lineup. And a starting lineup of Jaden Ivey, Cade Cunningham, Saddiq Bey, Bojan, and Isaiah Stewart  is one that gives the Pistons significant spacing. In addition, it gives Detroit the option to play more dynamic on both ends. They can go big with guys like Nerlens Noel and Jalen Duren, but also play fast and in the half court as well.

Troy Weaver shows mastery in General Management

Whatever happens with Bojan Bogdanovic, this is a win for Troy Weaver. The reason why? Because Weaver did what was in the best interest of the Detroit Pistons. If Bogdanovic plays well and so does the team, they are set up for a future partnership. If it ultimately doesn’t work out, Detroit has even more cap space going into the next off season. And with the rising media deals and cap spaces, Detroit is in a position to make some potential big moves. He made the team better both today, and tomorrow. If those types of trades are available, you take them. And the fact that he was able to get a player that was a highly competitive asset, is a huge win for Detroit.

The Pistons are in a position to potentially make some more moves. However, if they decide to stand put and let this roster play, they have their most competitive roster in about five years. There will naturally be some growing pains. Rookies like Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren will need time to make mistakes and learn the NBA game. However, this is a trade that benefits Cade Cunningham and Saddiq Bey. This is a trade that makes Marvin Bagley have to play at a higher standard and compete. This gives players like Isaiah Livers a more defined role going into training camp. But ultimately, the Pistons have options, both financially, and on the court.

Featured Image Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

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