NBA Draft rumors: Wenbanyama Summer League, Pistons trade, Harden-Rockets fallout

NBA Draft rumors: Pistons could trade down with No. 5 pick

The Detroit Pistons were the biggest losers on lottery night, dropping from No. 1 to No. 5 and missing out on the greatest prospect of this generation. That said, Detroit still has bountiful options at their disposal — including, according to James L. Edwards III of the Athletic (subscription required), trading the pick.

If the Pistons do trade the pick, Edwards thinks it will be to move down in the draft, not to acquire a veteran. Detroit is one of the youngest teams in the league and is still in the very early stages of its rebuild. Cade Cunningham is expected back healthy next season, while both of last season’s lottery picks in Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren look like foundational pieces.

Per Edwards, the Pistons are currently mulling over five options with the No. 5 pick: Amen Thompson, Ausar Thompson, Cam Whitmore, Jarace Walker, and Taylor Hendricks. All five worked out for the team. Apparently, Ausar made the strongest impression of the Thompson twins and has real supporters in the front office, but Hendricks received the most glowing remarks overall for his shooting ability at 6-foot-9.

If the Pistons are ultimately enamored with Hendricks, that could be what facilitates a trade-down. Hendricks’ projected draft range is more in the 7-12 range. The Pistons could dangle the No. 5 pick to a team looking to move up (the Pacers at No. 7 and Wizards at No. 8 feel like especially strong candidates) while sliding back to get “their guy” and some additional assets.