7 Jakob Poeltl trades the Raptors must explore to maximize their rebuild

No. 7: Jakob Poeltl traded to the Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons just endured one of the worst seasons in NBA history, with a record losing streak and an organization-wide lack of hope in what's next. Cade Cunningham looks like a keeper as a future star, if not quite a superstar, and Ausar Thompson is a jumpshot away from being an All-Star. After that it's a lot of disappointment and question marks.

Not that long ago the Pistons were packed with big men, but things have changed over quickly. Marvin Bagley II is in Washington, James Wiseman is unlikely to be retained, and the team is actively shopping Isaiah Stewart. For a team that is ready to wash its hands of last season and finally take a step forward, pursuing a veteran center like Jakob Poeltl makes a fair amount of sense.

Here is what a trade could look like:

The Pistons would be flipping Stewart for Poeltl, a proven rim protector to guard the back line behind Cunningham, Thompson and Jaden Ivey on the perimeter. It's not clear how much they value Quentin Grimes, especially since he was an acquisition of the past front office regime last year; with Simone Fontecchio, Ausar Thompson and Marcus Sasser in the mix their "non-star" perimeter quota may be filled up and Grimes could therefore be reasonably attached to the deal.

For the Raptors, the hit to their interior defense is noticeable, but Stewat is a willing defender and could execute a switching scheme with Scottie Barnes. Grimes is a capable 3-and-D wing who had a down season last year but could reasonably compete for the starting shooting guard spot. Upgrading the No. 19 pick for the No. 5 could put the Raptors in range to draft a Poeltl replacement in Donovan Clingan or to go for a larger upside swing like Stephon Castle or Reed Sheppard. This is great value for Poeltl.

Grade for Raptors: B+