Who the Orlando Magic could target for a trade in the Central Division
By Dan Bennett
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Detroit Pistons: Luke Kennard
It has been a bleak decade for the Detroit Pistons with just two playoff appearances in 11 seasons which both resulted in first-round exits.
The Pistons have two former All-Stars in Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose, both of whom are very injury prone, and some promising young talent including Sekou Doumbouya and Luke Kennard.
Kennard made big strides forward in his shortened season, averaging 15.8 points per game and 4.1 assists. He is a skilled three-point shooter, making 2.6 a game at a rate of 39.9 percent and also averaged 32.9 minutes. At just 24-years-old, there is plenty of time for him to keep developing.
Current Magic shooting guard Evan Fournier has a decision over whether to take up his player option for next season but regardless of whether he stays or goes. Kennard is the type of player Orlando needs to address their weaknesses.
Injuries are a concern, however. When the season was postponed Kennard remained out with bilateral knee tendonitis and played in just 28 regular-season games.
But his form before his injury will have given Detroit encouragement that he can play a part in helping take the team back into the playoffs. He still has a year left on his rookie contract with the chance to submit a qualifying offer for a further year after that.
Orlando would have to give up at least a big prospect of their own to make it happen and Mohamed Bamba stands out as the most obvious choice. His development has been inconsistent and he would have more opportunity to flourish in a free-wheeling system with the Pistons — where they could slide Christian Wood to the forward spot and actually give Bamba some starts.
That still might be too much for the Magic to give up. Especially for potentially one year of Kennard before he hits free agency.
Detroit is short of centers and could do with more options. Bamba could yet be a key player for the Magic in the years to come but has so far seen his opportunities limited and is yet to make a big impact after going sixth in the draft.
The Pistons may be reluctant to lose someone more proven than Bamba but would be getting a player in a position they need with big potential. The Magic would get the shooter they need.
The question is just how much the Magic really value Bamba as it is at least likely his name enters some trade discussions to push this team forward.
Next. Orlando Magic Trade Targets: Atlantic Division. dark
In the end, the Pistons may not have any player that is really worth diving deeply into.