Pistons rookie Luke Kennard is drawing “intense” interest from other NBA teams as this season’s trade deadline nears, according to Vince Ellis of The Detroit Free Press (Twitter link). As Ellis notes, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski had previously hinted in a report this week that Kennard is a player of interest for Detroit’s potential trade partners.
In a series of follow-up tweets, Ellis cautioned that there’s no indication that the Pistons are shopping Kennard, or even that they’re willing to move him. In fact, Ellis doesn’t expect the 2017 lottery pick to go anywhere.
Still, Wojnarowski indicated this week that the Pistons are expected to be on the active on the trade market, and are on the lookout for a wing upgrade. President of basketball operations Stan Van Gundy subsequently confirmed that his team is “looking around for people to fill holes.” The list of Pistons trade assets that would appeal to other clubs – and that Detroit is open to moving – isn’t particularly long, so dealing Kennard might represent the team’s best chance at acquiring a win-now piece.
In his first NBA season, Kennard has emerged as a regular rotation player in Detroit. While his overall numbers are modest (6.4 PPG, 1.9 RPG), the former Duke standout has been extremely effective as an outside shooter (.443 3PT%) and several of his highest-scoring games have come in the last two weeks. In order to seriously consider moving the 21-year-old, the Pistons would likely require an offer that features a difference-making veteran.
The Pistons are an absolute wreck and Stan Van Gundy is the leader behind all of it.
wat
A TRAINWRECK, Stan is a horrible coach.
I fail to understand why teams hire/enable coaches/managers who have a poor track record in the past to make critical decisions for their team. This guy was a mess in Orlando – underachieved, and has hit his ceiling of mediocrity in Detroit. Be done with him.
It’s the same situation with Dwight in Orlando only Andre is nowhere near as good as Dwight was 09 when he took the Magic to the Finals. How much longer are the Pistons going to keep investing in this guy? He just is what he is, I thought he could develop into a dominant force but he just doesn’t have it. He’s not a franchise player period.
What do you mean “keep investing”? Should he not play?
I finally agree with Dionis
Sure he can play but he’s not the answer in Detroit, Pistons should move him and Bradley to Cleveland for the pick,Thompson, and JR. Cavs get 2 defenders in Bradley and Drummond to add to the starting lineup, factor in Isaiah already has chemistry with Bradley plus Bradley spreads the floor. Drummond can be the interior defender and rebounder, for the Pistons it’s all about the pick which could land them a Robert Williams or Kevin Knox or they could try and get Sexton to be their starting PG while they move Reggie in another deal over the summer.
And that’s supposed to get the Pistons closer to a ship? Lol
Lol at Drummond can be a defender…dude sucks at defense. Pretty much a cone in the lane.
“Underachieved in Orlando” apparently a Finals appearance is under achieving.
Trade him to the bulls for mirotic
Wtf? The Bulls have enough shooting guards(Nwaba,Lavine, and Holiday).
Trade Kennard and this years first round pick for Kemba Walker. Pistons make the second round of the playoffs, I buy a Kemba Walker jersey, everyone is happy.
Everyone except Reggie.
That’s nowhere near enough in return for Kemba. Charlotte would need Kennard, a first, and Jackson
Kennard and a pick to the magic for Fournier
Kennard & Johnson to Chicago for Mirotic – Pistons can keep their 1st — Bulls then flip Holiday to Miami for Winslow and everyone is happy!
17 posts, no @Gary. Kennard is in demand!