Doomed for what looks like another long season, the Pistons have at least pondered a major shake-up to their roster.
Detroit has had 'ongoing discussions' with the 76ers about a blockbuster trade that would bring three-time All-Star Ben Simmons to Detroit in exchange for a package headlined by Jerami Grant, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In addition to Grant, the 76ers are said to be seeking 'another forward, a young player, and a draft pick' from the Pistons. Detroit originally rebuffed Philly's requests for 22-year-old swingman Saddiq Bey and stretch-big Kelly Olynyk, although GM Troy Weaver might be softening his stance amid the club's 4-10 start.
While the Pistons were 'unwilling' in September to give up 'one of their young talents' -- Bey was a first-team All-Rookie selection last season -- 'that's no longer the case' given their 'struggles to attract free agents,' per The Inquirer. And remember Weaver's words at the end of last season: "This 20 wins is not happening again." The Pistons are on pace to finish 23-59.
Caveats all around: the 76ers still view James Harden as their primary target in exchange for Simmons, it's unknown if Simmons is open to playing in Detroit, and nothing is likely to happen soon. Philadelphia would just as soon keep Simmons this season and test the trade market again in the summer. Or next season.
"But if they do trade him this season," per The Inquirer, "Grant will be one of their targets."
Obviously, this would significantly alter Detroit's future. The Pistons would pair Simmons with first overall pick Cade Cunningham in hopes of creating a dynamic backcourt, likely spelling the end of former seventh overall pick Killian Hayes' time in Detroit. And a cornerstone would be gone in Grant. The 27-year-old starred for the Pistons last season after signing a three-year, $60 million deal, although his numbers are down this season.
Simmons, who requested a trade after the 76ers flamed out of the playoffs last season and has made it clear he won't play for the franchise again, is under contract through the 2024-25 season at an average salary of $35.5 million per year. His cap hit climbs as high as $40 million in the final year of his deal.
The 2016 first overall pick averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists last season and earned first-team All-Defensive honors for the second time in his career. His shooting woes are well-documented. Suffice to say, he's 59 percent from the line over four NBA seasons.
Again, nothing between the Pistons and 76ers appears imminent, if anything happens at all. But Weaver is clearly intrigued by the idea of bringing Simmons to Detroit, and he might be willing to reshape a rebuild to do it.