Embed from Getty Images The Detroit Pistons issued a statement that the team would like to build around Blake Griffin. They did not say they would be adding players at the trade deadline this season. The key word is BUILD.
Last night the Detroit Pistons traded guard Reggie Bullock to the L.A. Lakers for guard Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk and a 2021 second round draft pick. A trade that was met with anger from Pistons fans.
Mykhailiuk is a rookie and has some offensive upside. He is in the first year of his three-year, $4.6 rookie contract. A team friendly deal for sure.
Bullock, in the final year of a contract that expires at the end of this season is making $2.5 million. So cashing him in for a high draft pick was a wise move for the Detroit front office.
The Pistons have taken $1 million off of their tight salary cap so that helps out some. Detroit seems to be refocusing their attention to next season and beyond. Which is the right path to take.
Losing Bullock hurts the Pistons this season. Much like when the Detroit Lions traded wide receiver Golden Tate during the season hurt them. Like the Lions the Pistons are looking down the road. Surrendering any playoff thoughts this season.
That is what fans need to do. As unpopular as that is. The fact is the Detroit Pistons roster was not working. There needed to be a change of direction and philosophy. That appears to be the thought process with this trade.
This is not a flashy trade. But it does not need to be. It needs to be a gain future asset trade. That is exactly what it is. With that this season has and is being sacrificed. The Pistons need to make more deals. Which some NBA experts believe the team will do.
