No. 2: Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons made their big move days prior to the NBA Trade Deadline. They completed a blockbuster trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, acquiring Blake Griffin, Brice Johnson and Willie Reed for Tobias Harris, Avery Bradley, Boban Marjanovic, the Pistons’ 2018 protected first round pick and a 2019 second round pick.
That trade, along with some injuries, has left the Pistons thin in some areas on the roster. They used the trade deadline to shore up those areas.
In their first trade, the Pistons acquired veteran point guard Jameer Nelson from the Chicago Bulls. Nelson provides insurance in the backcourt, where Reggie Jackson is dealing with an ankle injury. Ish Smith has been filling in, with Langston Galloway backing him up. Nelson gives them insurance in case of injury or Jackson’s return is delayed.
The other trade the Pistons completed was with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Pistons acquired James Ennis in exchange for Brice Johnson and a 2022 second round pick. Ennis will provide depth on the wing where the Pistons really on have Stanley Johnson and Reggie Bullock.
Ennis provides good size, as he can help defend opposing wings. He is also an adequate floor spacer, knocking down 36 percent of his 3-point attempts.
While they weren’t big trades, the Pistons depth and rest of season outlook is improved with Nelson and Ennis on the team.