Pistons must follow up Simone Fontecchio move by trading Bojan Bogdanovic

Simone Fontecchio, welcome to the six-win 2023-24 Detroit Pistons.

If this was Detroit's big trade-deadline splash (and it still could end up being general manager Troy Weaver's only move), an already-apathetic Pistons fan base would find yet another reason to sigh.

In a vacuum, Fontecchio's numbers are a bit underwhelming. He's averaged just 8.9 points and 3.5 rebounds per game in 34 starts and 50 games played for the Utah Jazz. He's the definition of a role player right now, but what else could you expect in return for a second-round pick, the expiring contract of Kevin Knox and the draft rights to 2022 second-round pick Gabriele Procida?

This trade is the definition of "mid" (as the kids say), but if it's part of a bigger deal, it's a move that actually makes sense for Detroit.

The other part in question?

It has to be trading Bojan Bogdanovic, the 34-year old veteran sharpshooter.

Yes, Bogdanovic is arguably the Pistons' best scorer and he's certainly their best shooter, but this is absolutely a failed rebuild for Weaver and the Pistons, and the only reliable way out of it is a "fire sale" of sorts and a collection of assets.

Bogdanovic is an extremely valuable trade piece for a contending team looking for veteran shooting, and Detroit's draft coffers are extremely bare. Bogdanovic should be able to net Weaver at least a first-round pick if he's any good at his job (which, to be fair, is doubtful). If and when he's able to unload the veteran shooter who makes no sense for a rebuild timeline...the acquisition of Fontecchio makes much more sense.

Bogdanovic is a 39.5% career three-point shooter, but Fontecchio is not half bad himself, shooting 39.1% from deep this year.

He's six years younger than Bogdanovic, so he matches Detroit's timeline much better. He can also step into a bigger role with the Pistons as a primary shooting option for point guard Cade Cunningham, who is one heck of an outlet passer.

Bogdanovic has obviously reached his ceiling as a player, and his value will never be higher. Detroit needs to pull the trigger and get some value for him. Meanwhile, Fontecchio is almost an untapped asset with plenty of upside.

He'll be a restricted free agent this summer, but Detroit will be able to match any offer sheets sent his way, and the thought behind the trade has to be that the Pistons will re-sign him long term.

It's a decent plan, but the Bogdanovic trade must be a follow -up or it makes little sense.