The Detroit Pistons did not have to give up much to relocate Kevin Huerter from the Windy City to Motown at this past trade deadline. It only took them a handful of games to think twice about even playing him in their rotation. It could have been a much different story with the Los Angeles Lakers.
It's no secret that Los Angeles is deprived of depth and shooting. That is why Luke Kennard was brought in before the trade deadline. The Lakers could have doubled down on adding more to the perimeter with Huerter.
Granted, the once deadeye scorer is pushing through an underwhelming shooting campaign in 2025-26. 30.6 percent from beyond the arc would not excite a lot of teams. For a Lakers team that ranks 29th in bench scoring, and has Luka Doncic to create opportunities, it could have been a worthwhile gamble.
Huerter has sat out the last three games for the Pistons after playing in his first four. Detroit certainly has the luxury of not forcing the issue if they deem it unnecessary. The Lakers, meanwhile, would have taken every single minute they could get out of the veteran scorer.
Pistons are benching a player who would see regular playing time with the Lakers
Part of the reason Rob Pelinka pulled the trigger on acquiring Kennard was because his expiring contract would not get in the way of the offseason retool in Los Angeles. The same would have been true of a player like Huerter.
The well-traveled wing is in the final year of his four-year, $65 million rookie contract extension. At $17.9 million this season, the number would not have been overly difficult to match salaries for either. By all means — trade value, contract, short-term and long-term implications — the deal was doable.
It's not like missing out on the move will make or break the season for the Lakers. They have far too many problems in other departments for this to have been a grand solution for anything. However, every little bit of help can go a long way.
The Lakers have gone 4-4 since the trade deadline. They are a team who are being described by JJ Redick as 'a work in progress.' Additional building blocks never hurt.
Huerter could find his way back on the court for the Pistons before all is said and done. However, in Detroit, the battle to secure minutes is fierce. In Los Angeles, by contrast, there's a help wanted sign.