INTRODUCTION

The Pistons have completed the second of many deals they have been involved in this week. Detroit will be sending veteran point guard Monte Morris to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Shake Milton, Troy Brown Jr., and a future second round pick.

TRADING AWAY

Monte has missed the vast majority of the year with a right quadricep injury. Morris was acquired this summer with the hopes of providing mentorship to the young guards. Meanwhile, it would be an opportunity for him to play near his hometown of Flint, Michigan. Unfortunately, with him missing most of the season thus far, this hasn’t come into fruition. Morris has an expiring contract at the end of the season, and he is likely to test the Free Agency market.

ACQUISITION

Needless to say, Shake Milton and Troy Brown Jr. have not been major contributors in the success of the second place Minnesota Timberwolves team. Both have struggled this year and have spent a big bulk of the time outside of the rotation. The Pistons only have one available roster spot and I have an inkling that Troy Brown Jr. will get that spot and Milton will be let go.

CONCLUSION

In a nutshell this transaction was a move to free up cap space for the summer while simultaneously obtaining additional draft compensation. The emergence of Marcus Sasser as of late made the decision to part ways with Morris an easier one. Piston’s GM Troy Weaver traded up in the draft to grab Sasser late in the first round. It’s only fitting he will be made a priority moving forward.  With this trade being completed he will get plenty of opportunities to showcase what he can do at the point guard position the remainder of the year.