A Potential Detroit Pistons Trade

As the NBA trade deadline gets closer, it has become apparent that the Detroit Pistons need a low post scorer. One possible candidate is Al Jefferson of the Minnesota Timberwolves. In order to get Jefferson, the Pistons would have to give up either Richard Hamilton or Tayshaun Prince. The most likely of the two to be dealt is Tayshaun Prince.

For this to financially work, Prince would have to be traded along with Chris Wilcox or someone with a similar contract. This trade would benefit both teams, as Detroit would get a low post presence and Minnesota would get one of the best defensive small forwards in the league.

Prince was great on the Pistons during their Eastern Conference Championship years, but with Detroit's new offense he just doesn't seem to fit in. Since Minnesota already has an All-Star caliber PF/C in Kevin Love, they could probably use a talented SF over Al Jefferson. Tayshaun Prince's contract also expire's in only two years, which is an added bonus.

This is what Detroit's starting lineup could look like if this trade went through:

PG: Rodney Stuckey, SG: Rip Hamilton, SF: Charlie Villanueva/Jonas Jerebko, PF: Al Jefferson, C: Ben Wallace

Even though it is just one new player for the Pistons, teams would now have to focus on defending down low near the basket, which would create more space for the guards. I doubt this trade could take Detroit all the way back up to Boston, Orlando, and Cleveland's status, but it could help them compete.

The last piece they would need is a true point guard. However, they may have to wait a few years for that or get lucky in next year's draft.