The Detroit Pistons have made Avery Bradley available via trade, as reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The Pistons being involved in trade rumors this time of year is nothing new. The question this season has been whether they will look to be buyers or sellers as the deadline approaches. In terms of Avery Bradley, at least, they are selling.
Bradley was acquired this offseason in a trade which saw the Pistons give up Aron Baynes and Marcus Morris – two players who are key pieces of the best defense in the league in Boston. Bradley has been underwhelming this season, averaging 15 points per game on 40% shooting with just 2.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists. And now it appears Detroit will likely give him up for a draft pick and salary dump.
Two teams immediately spring to mind as motivated buyers for Bradley’s defensive prowess.
Cleveland is ranked dead last defensively, with no reprieve in sight if they don’t make some sort of roster move. The obvious trade candidate on the Cavs roster is Channing Frye’s expiring $7.4 million contract. They could also look to throw in Jose Calderon to open up a roster spot. With the Brooklyn pick, Cleveland can look to trade their own 2018 first rounder; and it would probably take a 1st to get a deal done.
Oklahoma City just lost 1st Team All-Defense candidate Andre Roberson for the season, and don’t realistically have a chance in the playoffs if they have to rely on Alex Abrines or Kyle Singler for perimeter defense. It would take both Abrines and Singler to salary match, as OKC is over the cap and extremely top heavy. Bradley would be a great fit, because it allows Russ more room to roam on D. If AB defends the opposing point guard, and PG matches up with their best wing, Westbrook and Melo are freed up for softer assignments.
Get ready for a flurry of action between now and the February 8th trade deadline. Avery Bradley could be one of many players moved before then. Keep an eye on T/L Sports Media on all our platforms to stay up to date with everything that happens!
