The Oklahoma City Thunder’s financial struggles have been greatly exaggerated by fans hoping to lure away their players, but the team will still need to make some difficult choices ones that could end up helping the Detroit Pistons.
To get below the second apron next season, OKC must shed roughly $39 million. That shouldn’t be too difficult: they can decline team options for Lu Dort and Kenrich Williams, renegotiate Isaiah Hartenstein’s deal, and trade one of their many skilled guards Isaiah Joe being a likely candidate.
Joe saw limited action for most of the playoffs, which is telling given OKC’s deep and talented backcourt. On paper, he’d be a strong addition for Detroit. He’s an elite three-point shooter, hitting nearly 41% from deep over his career. This past season, he made over 42% on six attempts per game—exactly the kind of volume and accuracy the Pistons could use off the bench. Joe also plays solid defense, making him a potential bench upgrade who could thrive in a larger role.
Still, there’s always risk in acquiring role players from great teams. The real question: does Isaiah Joe meet the new standard Detroit should set? For me, any addition to the Pistons must be someone you’d trust in playoff battles. If not, it’s best to move on.
Joe’s case is tricky. He was largely ineffective in this year’s playoffs, but he plays for a team with the deepest guard rotation in the league. One thing’s certain: he would have seen playoff minutes for Detroit this season, given their desperate need for bench scoring. But can he be relied upon in big moments?
That’s the dilemma with role players on great teams they often shine in limited roles alongside stars who draw defensive attention, but they may struggle with greater responsibility.
Joe is set to make just $11 million next season, so if OKC wants to dump his salary, Detroit could absorb him into one of their exceptions without sending back a player.
Though Joe would have upgraded Detroit’s bench last season, that might not hold true next year if Trajan Langdon makes moves that push players like Duncan Robinson or Tobias Harris to the bench. Joe is an intriguing potential target with a needed skill set, but the Pistons should prioritize players who can help them in the playoffs and Joe may not be that guy.
Leave a Reply