The Detroit Pistons are interested in trading for Indiana Pacers small forward Chris Duarte, an NBA executive told NBA Analysis Network.
“The Pistons are eyeing quite a few players on the trade market,” the exec said. “One name to keep an eye on is Indiana’s Chris Duarte. Detroit has an interest in acquiring the young wing.”
The Pacers drafted Duarte with the 13th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft out of Oregon. The 25-year-old signed a four-year, $17.7 million rookie scale contract after getting drafted. He’ll make $4.1 million next season.
Both the Pacers and Pistons missed the playoffs this season. They’re in the same division, so it would be kind of strange to see two rivals make a trade.
However, we’ve seen it happen plenty of times in the past.
Duarte averaged 7.9 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists for the Pacers this season in 46 games while shooting 36.9% from the field, 31.6% from beyond the arc and 84.7% from the free-throw line. The Montreal native has career averages of 10.7 points, 3.4 boards and 1.8 assists while shooting 41.0% overall, 34.7% from 3-point land and 82.1% from the charity stripe.
The Pacers are looking to build around All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton and talented youngster Bennedict Mathurin. Meanwhile, the Pistons are building around guards Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey and big man Jalen Duren.
It will be interesting to see if the Pistons are able to acquire Duarte from the Pacers this offseason. Their general manager, Troy Weaver, is one of the most aggressive execs in the NBA.
However, there haven’t been any rumors stating that the Pacers are looking to move Duarte, who averaged 13.1 points during his rookie season and made the All-Rookie team.
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