NBA Trade Deadline 2018: 5 trades to save Nikola Mirotic from the Bulls

The Pistons are another team looking to strengthen their roster and add some depth for their upcoming 2018 playoff push. They’ve had their share of ups-and-downs this season, at times looking great and at other times looking like a team lost without an answer. The roller coaster ride has left them currently sitting in eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

Detroit does have their own first-round pick to offer in a trade for Mirotic, so we’re off to a good start. However, just like Portland, they are a bit handicapped by their current status of $17.4 million over the cap, with little to offer in terms of expiring contracts to match Mirotic’s $12.5 deal.

It’s been reported by ESPN that Stanley Johnson is on the trading block for Detroit. The young forward, currently earning $3.1 million on his rookie deal, could be worth taking a flyer on for the Bulls in return for Mirotic. He offers very promising defensive potential, and while so-far in his career has looked limited on the offense end of the floor, has shown elite-level athletic ability and strength. He’s certainly a player the Bulls could give ample playing time in hopes to develo over the next few years.

Taking on Johnson as a low-risk rebuild process candidate, along with the Pistons’ first-round pick could open up the door for Detroit to also include a larger, multi-year contract in the deal. They could offer forward Jon Leuer (3 years, $10.5 million) to make things match. They could also offer a combination of players including Langston Galloway (3 years, $6.6 million), Ish Smith (2 years, $6.0 million), Anthony Tolliver (1 year, $3.3 million), and Reggie Bullock (2 years, $2.5 million) to help them land their man.