NBA Trade Deadline: The trade each team must make

May 15, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Reggie Jackson (15) and center Kendrick Perkins (5) watch the game against the Memphis Grizzlies from the bench during the second half of game five of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Grizzlies defeated the Thunder 88-84. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 23, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Pablo Prigioni (9) advances the ball during the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

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Detroit sends Luigi Datome to New York for Pablo Prigioni

The Pistons filled their huge need for another point guard in the wake of Brandon Jennings’ season-ending injury by signing John Lucas III to a 10-day contract. Expect Lucas, who has played exceptionally well so far, to get another 10-day deal, too.

But Lucas doesn’t exactly give the Pistons peace of mind at point guard. D.J. Augustin is starting, and while he’s also performing admirably, he’s playing too much. Maybe Lucas can carry a larger load, but he was available for a 10-day contract for a reason. Maybe rookie Spencer Dinwiddie will soon be capable of doing more, but his presence in the rotation necessitated Lucas’ addition in the first place.

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Prigioni is not an upgrade over how Lucas has played so far this season, but Detroit can’t count on that run to continue. The 37-year-od Prigioni — an efficient and low-volume shooter who’s a plus passer and minus defender (despite his ability to get steals) — would provide insurance.

At next to no cost — Datome is on an expiring contract and has role in Detroit’s present or future — why not? The only drawback would be the $290,000 Prigioni is guaranteed next season, but that’s a relatively small amount. Plus, Prigioni has no guarantee date, meaning the Pistons could hold him until Jennings is ready to return — whether that’s before training camp or into the season — and then release Prigioni.

For the Knicks, the whole idea is dumping Prigioni’s, admittedly low, 2015-16 salary. It’s to late for him to help him this season, and in a market like New York, the extra cap space next summer is more valuable than Prigioni.

If the Knicks can get a second rounder for him elsewhere, go for it. But it’s a buyers’ market on point guards, and the Pistons should hold firm with this offer.

If New York rejects it, Detroit is fine, as is. But a little extra point guard depth would be more useful than Datome.

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