After a solid season, the Detroit Pistons were knocked out in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Following this somewhat disappointing playoff exit, fans questioned why the team’s trade-deadline deal with the Chicago Bulls didn’t include Ayo Dosunmu, especially given what seemed like a modest asking price.
As it turns out, the Pistons did try to engage the Bulls on a trade for Dosunmu at the deadline, according to Hunter Patterson of The Athletic. However, they were unwilling to meet Chicago’s demands. Instead, Detroit acquired shooting guard Kevin Huerter from the Bulls.
The Bulls reportedly wanted young players and draft picks in return for Dosunmu assets the Pistons weren’t ready to give up. Additionally, Dosunmu was approaching unrestricted free agency, with no guarantee he would re-sign with Detroit.
Although Dosunmu performed well during the Minnesota Timberwolves’ playoff run, Minnesota is likely to face competition from other interested teams this offseason.
Meanwhile, Huerter the player Detroit did receive was a solid contributor before being limited by an adductor injury. He played 25 games for the Pistons (three starts), averaging just over 20 minutes per contest.
His stats included 8.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 steals, shooting 44.3% from the field. In the playoffs, however, he appeared in only five games, averaging under two points while shooting less than 30%.
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