Report: Pistons' Killian Hayes, Magic's Moe Wagner, More Suspended for Fight
Dec 30, 2022
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 28: Moritz Wagner #21 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against Killian Hayes #7 of the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena on December 28, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
There was no shortage of discipline in the aftermath of Wednesday's scuffle during the game between the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons.
The NBA announced Thursday that Killian Hayes and Hamidou Diallo of the Pistons were suspended for three games and one game, respectively, while Moritz Wagner of the Magic was suspended for two games.
Cole Anthony, Mo Bamba, Wendell Carter Jr., R.J. Hampton, Gary Harris, Kevon Harris, Franz Wagner and Admiral Schofield of the Magic were all suspended for one game.
"The incident began when Wagner, who was assessed a Flagrant Foul 2 and ejected, committed an unsportsmanlike act when he pushed Hayes into the Detroit bench while both players were pursuing a loose ball," the announcement read.
"Diallo, who received a technical foul and was ejected, continued the altercation when he pushed Wagner from behind. Hayes then escalated the altercation when he punched Wagner in the back of the head. Hayes was given a technical foul and ejected."
Diallo will sit out Friday's game against the Chicago Bulls. That is also the game Hayes' three-game suspension will begin.
Wagner's two-game penalty will start with Friday's contest against the Washington Wizards, but the rest of the suspensions will be staggered so the team has enough players to take the court.
The altercation overshadowed the game, but the Pistons earned the 121-101 victory. Of the ejected trio, Diallo had the biggest impact with 11 points and five rebounds off the bench before the incident in the second quarter.
The game was never really in doubt for the home team, which jumped out to a 19-point halftime lead and never looked back. Alec Burks led the way with 32 points, while Saddiq Bey stuffed the stat sheet with 28 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
Detroit snapped a six-game losing streak with the win, although it is just 9-28 on the campaign and looks nothing like a contender in the Eastern Conference.
Orlando doesn't either at 13-23, although it has played better of late after an abysmal 5-20 start to the season.
Report: Troy Weaver, Pistons Agree to Contract Extension; Has Been GM Since 2020
Dec 21, 2022
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JULY 30: Detroit Pistons general manager Troy Weaver looks on during the press conference on July 30, 2021 at the Pistons Performance Center in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
The Detroit Pistons have signed general manager Troy Weaver to a contract extension, per Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic.
Weaver is in his third season with the team after arriving in June 2020 following 12 years in the Oklahoma City Thunder front office.
The Pistons currently have the worst record in the NBA at 8-25 entering Wednesday.
Detroit has been near the bottom of the standings since Weaver arrived, going 20-52 in 2020-21 and 23-59 last year. The organization's last winning record came in 2015-16, while the last playoff win came in 2008.
Despite the struggles on the court, Weaver has been praised for his ability to flip a roster full of aging players while building a promising young core on the current squad.
After moving on from veterans like Derrick Rose and Blake Griffin, the Pistons have added quality prospects like Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren over the past three years.
The few veterans on the current roster, like Bojan Bogdanović and Alec Burks, have been productive, making them potential trade pieces before the Feb. 9 deadline.
Detroit also has a lot of financial flexibility with the second-most cap space in the NBA heading into next year, per Spotrac.
The latest extension gives Weaver a vote of confidence to continue his long-term approach as he tries to build the Pistons into a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference.
Should Lakers Pursue Bojan Bogdanovic Trade with Pistons amid Latest NBA Rumors?
Dec 14, 2022
Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry (7) defends against Detroit Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic (44) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Trade rumors involving the Los Angeles Lakers have been swirling throughout the first two months of the 2022-23 NBA season. At this point, it seems inevitable that the team will make at least one move prior to the trade deadline on Feb. 9.
The Lakers continue to get linked to various players from around the league. And recently, some of those rumors have featured Detroit Pistons guard Bojan Bogdanović.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Los Angeles has discussed the possibility of sending a protected first-round draft pick and some type of salary (such as Patrick Beverley) to Detroit in exchange for Bogdanović. That doesn't mean a trade is imminent, though.
"I think the holdup in that deal is that the Pistons really value Bojan Bogdanovic and they've been reluctant when they speak to other teams," Charania recently said on Bally Sports' The Rally. "Dozens of teams have called them already on Bojan Bogdanovic and they've been really reluctant to engage and even move him."
It's always possible that could change. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that executives from around the league are "hopeful" the Pistons will change their stance. After all, they're in last place in the Eastern Conference at 7-22 and will be without guard Cade Cunningham for the rest of the season due to a left shin injury.
Scotto also shared that the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks and Atlanta Hawks are among the teams that have expressed interest in Bogdanović in addition to the Lakers. So it doesn't seem Los Angeles will be along in its pursuit of the 33-year-old forward.
So far, Bogdanović is having an impressive season, which is his first in Detroit. He's averaging a career-high 21 points through 28 games. And he's been efficient, shooting 50.8 percent from the field and 43.7 percent from 3-point range (both of which would be career bests).
The Lakers saw up close the type of success Bogdanović is having on Sunday, when he dropped 38 points in Detroit's loss to Los Angeles. It marked the third time this month that he's scored 30 or more points in a game.
Bogdanović seems like he'd be a great fit in Los Angeles, considering the Lakers need to add a wing player with a strong outside shooting ability. He would fill that role and be a great complementary piece to Los Angeles' core featuring LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook (assuming he doesn't get traded himself at some point).
It's a bit of a steep price for the Lakers to part with a first-round pick (they own only two for the rest of the decade) and Beverley, who has made 21 starts in their backcourt this season. But Bogdanović isn't set to become a free agent until after the 2024-25 season, so he's a player Los Angeles could build around the next few years as it tries to win another championship in the late stages of James' career.
Because of that, it would be wise for Los Angeles to try to bring in Bogdanović. In order for that to happen, Detroit will need to become more open to moving him. But there's still plenty of time for that to occur before the trade deadline.
The Lakers, who are 11-16 after losing four of their past five games, could use the boost that the addition of Bogdanović would bring to their lineup.
NBA Rumors: Pistons' Aren't Eager to Trade Bojan Bogdanović; Saddiq Bey 'Gettable'
Dec 13, 2022
SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Bojan Bogdanovic #44 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball during the game against the Sacramento Kings on November 20, 2022 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Detroit Pistons reportedly have differing views on the availability of Bojan Bogdanović and Saddiq Bey on the trade market.
According to James L. Edwards III of The Athletic, the Los Angeles Lakers are one of multiple teams to have shown interest in Bogdanović, even offering a future protected first-round pick, but the Pistons seemingly want to keep him in hopes of "turning a corner" over the next year.
As for Bey, Edwards called him "gettable at the right price," although it is uncertain precisely what the Pistons would want in return. Bey has been moved into a bench role this season, with Edwards noting that Detroit prefers to utilize two true bigs in its frontcourt, leaving Bey in a tough spot since power forward is his best position.
The 33-year-old Bogdanović is in the midst of one of the most productive seasons of his nine-year NBA career, averaging a career-high 21.0 points per game in 28 contests.
Bogdanović is also averaging 3.6 rebounds, 2.6 three-pointers made and 2.4 assists while shooting a career-best 50.8 percent from the field and 43.7 percent from beyond the arc.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina-born star is in his first season with the Pistons after spending the previous three seasons as a member of the Utah Jazz, and he signed a two-year, $39.03 million contract extension in October, keeping him in the fold until 2025, provided Detroit doesn't trade him.
While the Pistons are trending toward their fourth consecutive season out of the playoffs with a 7-22 record, there is reason for hope in the near future because of some of the young talent the team possesses.
Guard Cade Cunningham, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, is chief among that talent, although he is out for the remainder of the 2022-23 season with a shin injury, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
That could compel the Pistons to sell leading up to the Feb. 9 trade deadline, but moving the team's leading scorer in Bogdanović would adversely impact Detroit's ability to compete for a playoff spot next season and beyond.
It is perhaps more likely that the Pistons can live without the 23-year-old Bey, who has taken a step back in his third NBA season.
The 2020 first-round pick out of Villanova set new career highs across the board last season with averages of 16.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.6 three-pointers made, plus he started all 82 games.
Bey has started just 17 of the 25 games he has appeared in this season, and his averages have dropped to 14.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.6 three-pointers made.
He is actually shooting better from the field than he did last season at 40.2 percent, but his three-point conversion rate of 29.9 percent is a career low.
Bey remains a key player, as he is fourth on the team in minutes per game, but even younger players like Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart are perhaps a bigger part of the Pistons' core moving forward.
If that is the case, it isn't outside the realm of possibility that Detroit could attempt to move Bey for some draft picks and bring in pieces who better fit the lineup the Pistons are attempting to construct.
NBA Trade Rumors: Pistons' Nerlens Noel Eyed by Blazers, Kings, Heat and Mavs
Dec 13, 2022
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 1: Nerlens Noel #3 of the Detroit Pistons looks on prior to the game against the Dallas Mavericks on December 1, 2022 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks are reportedly among the teams pursuing a trade for Nerlens Noel.
James Edwards III of The Athletic reported Noel and the Detroit Pistons have agreed a separation is "best for both parties."
Noel has spent most of the 2022-23 season out of coach Dwane Casey's rotation, playing in only six games. He's averaging 1.8 points and 3.2 rebounds while shooting a career-worst 30.8 percent from the floor.
The Pistons acquired Noel from the New York Knicks in July as part of a salary dump. Noel is making $9.2 million this season and has a club option at $9.7 million in 2023-24. It would seem unlikely that any team that trades for Noel would pick up that option, barring a re-emergence of him as a defensive force in the middle.
The Kentucky product had a stellar 2020-21 campaign in New York before essentially disappearing for most of the last season and a half. He played in just 25 games last season because of a combination of injuries and Tom Thibodeau's rotation decisions, and Noel has not been able to get consistent playing time from Casey in Detroit.
The Blazers, Kings, Heat and Mavericks all have a need for help in their defensive middle; the biggest issue may be finding a matching contract that works for both parties. It's unlikely Detroit will want to take on future salary beyond this season in any trade, given Noel can come off the books next summer.
Dallas has the only potential one-for-one trade that makes some level of sense, as a Noel-for-Dwight Powell trade works under the salary cap. That said, Powell has started 20 games this season and is a solid rim runner who fits in the Mavericks rotation.
It's more likely Noel will wind up being traded as part of a larger package or bought out if no deal arises by February.
Woj: Pistons' Cade Cunningham to Have Season-Ending Surgery on Shin Injury
Dec 12, 2022
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) during an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
The second NBA season of promising young star Cade Cunningham has come to an early end.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Detroit Pistons guard will undergo season-ending surgery on his left shin. He's been out of action with the injury since Nov. 9.
Per that report, "Cunningham took a month to see if rest and rehabilitation would allow for the shin to improve but made the decision on Monday to move forward with the season-ending procedure."
The 21-year-old had a superb rookie season, averaging 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game while shooting 41.6 percent from the field and 31.4 percent from three-point range. In 12 games this season he appeared to have taken another positive step, putting up 19.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game while shooting 41.5 percent from the field and 27.9 percent from three.
He's the headliner on a talented but young roster that includes Jaden Ivey, Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart, Killian Hayes and Jalen Duren.
The silver lining is that Killian Hayes and Jaden Ivey will continue to get more touches than they would've gotten otherwise. We'll never know if Hayes' breakout would've come if he continued playing 17 minutes off the bench, but he's benefitted a lot.
While losing a season of Cunningham will be a disappointment for Pistons fans, it may increase the odds that the team will land potentially transcendent prospect Victor Wembanyama, widely considered not only the best prospect in the class of 2023 but possibly the most talented prospect to hit the NBA since LeBron James.
Scoot Henderson, regarded as the No. 2 prospect, wouldn't be a bad consolation prize.
The Pistons are 7-22, the worst record in the NBA. That would give them with a 14 percent chance to win the draft lottery and a 52.1 percent chance to secure a top-four pick.
Losing a year of development time for Cunningham isn't ideal. Those potential lottery odds are the only silver lining.
Anthony Davis 'On Another Planet' as LeBron James, Lakers Defeat Pistons
Dec 12, 2022
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 11: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers high-fives teammate LeBron James #6 during the game against the Detroit Pistons on December 11, 2022 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers closed out their six-game road trip with a 124-117 win over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday, and it took another herculean performance by star big man Anthony Davis to earn the victory.
Davis finished with 34 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and a block to help Los Angeles snap a three-game losing streak and improve to 11-15. Lakers star LeBron James recorded a team-high 35 points.
In his last five games, Davis has crossed the 30-point mark four times. The only anomaly is when he was forced to exit last Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers because of an illness after playing just a single quarter.
NBA Twitter showed love to Davis after another impressive performance, as the 29-year-old is performing at a level that has many believing he's one of the best players in the league:
LeBron James and Anthony Davis are both playing at an extremely high level, and the Lakers won’t make a trade to make sure their performances don’t go to waste.
When the Lakers give the ball to AD they score …. But then they just suddenly stop going to AD & think they can shoot. It’s so frustrating cause it’s so easy but the Lakers make it hard
The Lakers have had trouble maintaining momentum this season, as the team's roster still has some holes. However, having Davis in the lineup at full strength gives Los Angeles a superstar who can be the best player on the court each time he steps on it.
Davis and the Lakers will look to keep the momentum going when they return to action on Tuesday at home against the Boston Celtics, who have the best record in the NBA at 21-6.
NBA Trade Rumors: Nerlens Noel Deal Discussed Between Mavericks, Pistons
Dec 8, 2022
PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 25: Nerlens Noel #3 of the Detroit Pistons looks on prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns on November 25, 2022 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Detroit Pistons and Dallas Mavericks have reportedly had trade talks involving center Nerlens Noel, according to Ian Begley of SNY.
Noel has "drawn interest from several contending teams," per Begley.
Detroit acquired Noel in an offseason trade from the New York Knicks, but he has struggled to find playing time with his new team. He's appeared in just six games this season, scoring 11 total points and grabbing 19 rebounds.
The 28-year-old hasn't played in any of the Pistons' last six games despite the squad falling to 7-20 on the season.
The Pistons have instead been relying on young centers Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren, making Noel expendable.
Despite his limited action in 2022-23, the veteran could still be an impact player in the right location.
Noel averaged 4.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game during the past two years with the Knicks, especially helping on the defensive end. In 2020-21, his 5.2 win shares ranked second on the team behind Julius Randle as the squad earned the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference.
His 3.8 defensive box plus/minus was the best in the NBA that year, per Basketball Reference.
Noel's rim-protection could make him a valuable part of a rotation for any contender, especially one looking to upgrade defensively.
Dallas is fourth in points allowed per game due to the team's slow pace, but the squad is just 11th in defensive rating. No one on the team averages more than one block per game, while veteran shot-blocker JaVale McGee has seemingly fallen out of the rotation.
Adding Noel alongside Dwight Powell could provide depth to the frontcourt as the Mavericks look to build on last year's run to the Western Conference Finals.
NBA Trade Rumors: Pistons Taking 'Early Calls' on Saddiq Bey Before Deadline
Nov 23, 2022
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 11: Saddiq Bey #41 of the Detroit Pistons brings the ball up the court during the second quarter of the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on November 11, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
The Detroit Pistons have reportedly "taken early calls" on forward Saddiq Bey, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
Fischer added the team is "intent on further evaluating Bey" before making any moves, but the organization is at least considering making a deal after he was nearly untouchable in past years.
Bey is averaging 14.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists through 17 games this season, a decline across the board after averaging 16.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 2021-22.
After shooting 34.6 percent from three-point range last year, Bey is now hitting just 29 percent of outside shots.
The 23-year-old has still showcased his upside during the season, reaching 20 points in five of his 17 games. He scored 28 in an October win over the Golden State Warriors.
Consistency has been an issue, however, averaging just nine points over his last five games while shooting 31.4 percent from the field. He's missed the last two games with an ankle injury.
The former Villanova star is eligible for an extension this offseason, which could force the Pistons to make a decision about his future.
Detroit remains far from contention after a 4-15 start to the season. The squad must determine if Bey will be part of the core going forward, or else he could be moved ahead of the trade deadline.
