ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Detroit Pistons will acquire Jazz forward Simone Fontecchio via trade. In exchange, Utah will receive Kevin Knox, a 2024 second-round draft pick and and the draft rights to Gabriele Procida.
Kevin Knox, 2024 second-round pick via Wizards and draft rights to Gabriele Procida to go Jazz in deal, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/GZuvVMbfcb
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 7, 2024
NBA Trade: Pistons Acquire Jazz Forward Simone Fontecchio
Detroit Acquires Fontecchio
Fontecchio has established himself this year, starting 34 of the 50 games he has played in 2023-24. Now in his second NBA season, he is averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 23.2 minutes per game.
Known as a sharpshooter, the 27 year-old is connecting on 39.1% of his 4.7 three-point attempts per game.
While this move doesn’t exactly move the needle for Detroit, it offers them flexibility going forwards. Fontecchio has gained valuable experience during his time in Salt Lake City, and figures to be a useful rotation player should Detroit choose to keep him. Fontecchio’s two-year, $6.25 million contract expires in the summer, and he could be resigned for a reasonable price.
Utah’s Acquisitions:
Knox can seamlessly slot in to Utah’s bench lineup, as he provides a similar skill set to Fontecchio. However, it is unlikely that the Jazz opt to retain Knox.
NBA insider Brett Siegel seems to think that this is a sign of further trades for Utah.
This is most certainly a precursor trade for both teams.
I would be surprised if Knox remains with the Jazz, as this was likely a move to open up a roster spot in Utah.
For the Pistons, Fontecchio adds wing shooting depth, leaving Bogdanovic and Burks in question. https://t.co/p1rSsNqNMj
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) February 7, 2024
The 2024 second-round pick that Utah will be receiving is the most favorable of either the Washington Wizards’ or Memphis Grizzlies’ picks.
Procida is a 21 year-old prospect from Italy that was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 36th pick in the 2022 NBA draft. He opted to stay in Europe after the draft, signing with Germany’s Alba Berlin. The 6’7 wing is eligible to make the transition to the NBA after this season, should the Jazz choose to sign him.
Future Moves
Fontecchio’s arrival in Detroit signals the possible departure of another forward: Bojan Bogdanović.
This is a very interesting move, especially because it opens up the door for Bojan Bogdanovic to be moved.
Keep an eye on Philadelphia. https://t.co/SJXSsnWC6u
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) February 7, 2024
Bogdanović has been heavily-linked with contending teams ever since his arrival in the Motor City, and the Pistons may finally be willing to part ways with the 34 year-old Croatian.
This season, he is averaging 20.2 points on 41.5% shooting from deep.
The Jazz are a team to keep an eye on as the trade window closes tomorrow at 3 pm E.T. They are currently 10th in the Western Conference, with a record of 26-26.
Likewise, the Pistons are a team that could make further moves, as they look ahead to next season. Detroit currently has the worst record in the NBA at 6-43.
