A simple flip for future assets
The Detroit Pistons haven’t been great in recent history. While they have made it to the playoffs a few times, the Pistons have been searching for their next star, and with Blake Griffin’s contract ending in two years, they’ll need to prepare for the worst.
For Golden State, the worst may be exactly what intrigues them with Detroit as a potential trade partner.
Snagging a player that will help Detroit the win now and then in the future complement Luke Kennard would be ideal.
Who they’d take if they move up isn’t known but they could certainly use Ball or a high-ceiling prospect like Anthony Edwards. However, they stuck out with an Edwards-like player in 2015, so going back to that inefficient project may not be in their plans even if he falls.
The Warriors would likely only consider this deal if they lose the lottery and are awarded a pick outside of the top three. Golden State would then be banking on Griffin leaving and this pick not panning out into a star which could result in Detroit’s 2023 pick being one of the top five.
While that’s too far to predict, like with New York, this deal extends their list of assets for another season without putting a certain player on their roster. It’d be ideal for bulking assets in order to make future trades.