3 factors that will determine if Pistons trade Cavs for Collin Sexton

3 factors that will determine if Pistons trade for Sexton: What Sacramento does at No. 4

The most recent lead connecting the Pistons and Sexton came from Kevin O’Connor at The Ringer. In his latest mock draft he referenced Detroit’s interest while mocking Jaden Ivey to them, a move that would potentially cool that interest as the Pistons would have filled the role they want Sexton to step into.

The top three players chosen in the 2022 NBA Draft will almost certainly be the three premier big man prospects: Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr. and Paolo Banchero, in some order. That makes the No. 4 pick, currently held by the Sacramento Kings, the first major swing point of the draft.

Jaden Ivey is the most popular choice for the fourth-best player in this class, but the Sacramento Kings already have De’Aaron Fox and Davion Mitchell in the backcourt, not to mention Donte DiVincenzo as a restricted free agent. Would they really take another guard? If not, then Keegan Murray or even A.J. Griffin could be options.

The Kings also want to win this year, opening up trade-down possibilities. Would they offer the No. 4 pick for OG Anunoby? Could the Oklahoma City Thunder trade up? What about the New Orleans Pelicans? If the Kings trade out of the pick then Jaden Ivey would almost certainly be the pick.

If Ivey is off the board at 4, no matter the path to get there, the Pistons won’t have another small guard to pursue. That will leave their interest in Sexton presumably intact, setting the stage for further conversations. If Ivey falls to fifth, then the Pistons will scoop him up and run.