Pistons expect to shop top draft pick in trade discussions

The Detroit Pistons finished with the worst record in the NBA but fell flat on their faces in the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, ending up with the fifth overall pick. The streak of bad luck has Pistons fans, coaches and management alike contemplating their next move, which could include putting the pick up on the trade market according to the latest intel on the situation.

The latest rumors on the Pistons’ fifth overall pick came amid startling new revelations on the Lakers-Pistons Kobe Bryant deal from days gone by that never happened. The Pistons’ best options for the fifth pick were revealed.

Now, fans are wondering whether the latest rumors are true, and whether the Pistons will end up dealing their choice in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Rumor: Pistons Expected to Shop Fifth Pick 

The rumor was shared via the Detroit Free Press and states that Pistons ownership including owner Tom Gores do not want to ‘risk a repeat’ of last season, meaning all options are on the table to become a better team this offseason.

Some of the players in range of the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft for Detroit include UConn big man Donovan Clingan, Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard, Serbian guard Nikola Topic and French wing Zaccharie Risacher.

According to the Free Press report, the trade market is a likely route for the Pistons to improve their roster, as Detroit has roughly $64 million in cap space available, which ranks first in the NBA. The free agent class is not expected to be a strong one with former Piston Tobias Harris and Nic Claxton mentioned as potential roster additions in that department.