NBA Trade: Pistons Acquire Jazz Forward Simone Fontecchio

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.

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.

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.