The Detroit Pistons are reportedly kicking the tires on a pair of intriguing trade targets - Miles Bridges of the Hornets and Michael Porter Jr. of the Nets - according to a recent report from NBA insider Jake Fischer. While these discussions are said to be internal at this stage, the mention of Bridges in particular has sparked a strong reaction from Pistons fans, and for good reason.
Let’s start with the basics. Michael Porter Jr. has been loosely linked to Detroit for a few weeks now, though there’s been no indication that Brooklyn is actively shopping him. He’s a high-upside wing with size, shooting, and playoff experience - the kind of player who could theoretically slot into Detroit’s long-term plans if the price was right.
But it’s the idea of Miles Bridges in a Pistons uniform that’s drawn the most attention - and not the good kind.
Bridges, who’s currently averaging 18 points per game, is a capable scorer and a physical presence on the wing. He brings some shot creation and athleticism, and on paper, he fills a need for a Detroit team that lacks consistent offensive punch at the forward spots. But that’s where the easy fit ends.
First, there’s the shooting. Bridges is taking over six threes per game but hitting just 33% of them - a volume shooter without the efficiency to justify the green light.
That’s a tough sell for a Pistons team that already struggles with floor spacing. Add in the fact that Detroit has young guards like Jaden Ivey who are still finding their rhythm, and bringing in another high-usage, low-efficiency scorer could muddy the developmental waters.
Then there’s the financial angle. Bridges is on the books for $25 million this season and $22.8 million next year.
Matching that salary wouldn’t be simple. The Pistons would likely have to package multiple players - think Caris LeVert plus another sizable contract - or consider a straight-up swap involving Tobias Harris.
But that kind of move could disrupt team chemistry and doesn’t necessarily make Detroit better in the short or long term.
The idea of including a young piece like Ivey in a deal for Bridges feels like a non-starter. Ivey may not be the finished product yet, but he’s shown flashes of becoming a dynamic two-way guard. Giving up on that potential - and at a much lower cost - for a player who’s unlikely to move the needle in a meaningful way would be a tough pill to swallow.
And, of course, there’s the off-court baggage. Bridges has faced significant scrutiny and controversy in recent years, and that’s not something the Pistons - or any rebuilding franchise - can afford to take lightly.
Culture matters, especially for a young team trying to establish an identity. Bringing in a player with a complicated public image raises questions that go beyond X’s and O’s.
From a basketball perspective, the fit is questionable. From a roster-building standpoint, the cost is steep.
And from a team culture lens, it’s even harder to justify. That’s why so many fans were quick to voice their concerns when Bridges’ name surfaced in connection with Detroit.
Meanwhile, Charlotte is on a six-game win streak and making a push for the play-in tournament. That alone makes it hard to see them parting ways with a key contributor midseason unless they’re blown away by an offer - and that doesn’t appear to be the case here.
Bottom line: while it’s always worth monitoring internal trade discussions, this one feels more like a thought exercise than a realistic pursuit. The Pistons have cap space, young talent, and flexibility - all valuable assets. But using those resources on a player like Miles Bridges, given the full context, doesn’t seem like the kind of move that aligns with Detroit’s long-term vision.