The Detroit Pistons have kicked off the final week before the trade deadline with a deal that brings them Simone Fontecchio in exchange for Kevin Knox, a second round pick via the Washington Wizards, and the drafting rights to Gabriele Procida.

ACQUISITION

The Pistons received Fontecchio, whose been an efficient outside shooter whose shown potential to defend as well. He measures in at at 6’7 and 209 lbs. Simone has averaged 9 points this year while shooting 45% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc. Fontecchio will provide some much needed spacing to a team that has struggled in that category. Fontecchio’s success this year vs. the Pistons could very well have been influential In this deal being solidified. He scored 16 points in both games on 52% shooting from the field and an impressive 63% from 3.  Fontecchio is on an expiring deal for $3 million. With him being a restricted free agent at the end of the season, the Pistons will be able to offer him the most money in the event they choose to retain him.

Detroit Pistons newly acquired wing Simone Fontecchio averaged 39.1% from three on 4.7 attempts per game for the Utah Jazz this season.

In this clip he displays defensive ability, shot creation, cutting to the basket, and dribble drive.

h/t ZH Highlights | #DetroitBasketball pic.twitter.com/dP113pQz7y

— Brandon Dent | @WoodwardSports #DetroitKoolAid (@DetroitKoolAid) February 7, 2024

TRADING AWAY

The Pistons will be dealing awaw Kevin Knox who has struggled mightily as of late. Knox is coming off two consecutive games where he’s failed to record a single point. In addition they will be giving up a second round pick that they acquired in the deal earlier this year involving Marvin Bagley and Isaiah Livers. Lastly, they traded away their rights to Procida who was a draft and stash selection in 2022. The Pistons will cut their losses on a project player they have been waiting to develop overseas over the last few seasons.

CONCLUSION

Overall this was a solid move for Detroit. They acquire an efficient floor spacer for little to nothing. One would think the Pistons will likely play him a decent amount to see how he looks alongside their multitude of young ball handlers. Per Adrian Wojnarowski this was a move to keep him as a part of the franchise’s long-term core given his restricted free agent status. His style of play parallels to Piston’s vet Bojan Bogdanovic who was also traded from Utah to Detroit just a few years ago. Fontecchio will be auditioning to be the predecessor to him. The Pistons will be very active this deadline so stay tuned to Fans First network for further developments.