One NBA writer is proposing that the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs make a trade this summer involving big man Marvin Bagley III.
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report proposed that the Pistons trade Bagley III to the Spurs for combo guard Devonte’ Graham. The focus would be for Detroit to thin out a crowded frontcourt rotation that includes Jalen Duren, James Wiseman, Isaiah Stewart, and Bagley.
“Swapping Bagley out for another ball-handler better balances the roster, creating more opportunities for the other three while adding a veteran to the backcourt to help Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey with playmaking responsibilities,” Swartz wrote. “Graham, 28, averaged 13.0 points and 4.0 assists in 20 games with the Spurs last season.”
“If the Spurs are worried about presumed No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama defending centers next season, Bagley gives them another option in the middle with a little more muscle,” Swartz explained. “The 24-year-old still carries some upside after putting up 12.0 points and 6.4 rebounds with Detroit last year.”
The Sacramento Kings drafted Bagley III with the second overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. The Duke product was taken ahead of Luka Doncic, who is arguably the best player in the NBA. Bagley III is a solid player. He has career averages of 13.3 points and 7.2 rebounds with the Kings and Pistons.
However, since he was taken one spot ahead of Doncic, Bagley III will always be compared to the Dallas Mavericks superstar, who has career averages of 27.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.0 assists.
Bagley III played in 148 games with the Kings before getting traded to the Pistons. The lefty averaged 12.0 points and 6.4 rebounds for Detroit this season while shooting 52.9% from the field, 28.8% from beyond the arc and 75.0% from the free-throw line.
The Spurs will select Victor Wembanyama with the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. If San Antonio listens to Swartz and trades for Bagley III, head coach Greg Popovich would have two talented youngsters to work with in the frontcourt.
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