Pistons to Acquire No. 16 Pick, Trevor Ariza From Rockets

The Detroit Pistons will acquire Trevor Ariza and the No. 16 pick in tonight’s draft in exchange for a future first-rounder, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.

It’s unclear what protections will come on the future first-round pick.

The move gives Detroit two firsts tonight while providing financial flexibility for a Rockets team that faces a hard cap. Wojnarowski reports that the manoeuvre will allow them to use their full mid-level exception.

The Pistons will now pick No. 7 and at No. 16 and could potentially package those picks to move up if the opportunity arises. Yesterday, LaMelo Ball told the media that he worked out for the top-three teams and Detroit.

Additionally the Rockets are purchasing the Pistons’ 2021 second-round pick, originally from the Los Angeles Lakers, for $4.6 million.

More to come.