NBA News: Trade Paying Off For Pistons As Bagley Makes Big Strides

Marvin Bagley III appears to have gotten a new lease on life since being traded to the Detroit Pistons in a four-team trade last month.

Bagley’s time with the Sacramento Kings did not go well as the second overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft was already set to head to free agency after the said franchise passed on giving him a rookie-scale contract extension in October 2021.

Although the 6-foot-11 had to deal with injuries and had his share of inconsistent performances, pundits believed that a change of scenery could address all that.

That is the case so far for Bagley, who has been putting up good numbers despite coming off the bench.

Since moving to Motor City, he has upped his numbers, norming 13.8 points and 7.4 rebounds in 24.5 minutes of action.

The numbers are good, but it is apparent that Bagley needs to work on his game further.

For now, accepting his role coming off the bench is a good sign although that is subject to change.

Bagley has blended in wonderfully with Cade Cunningham and Killian Hayes. The Arizona native has become a lob threat target, giving the Pistons some much-needed help inside the paint.

Moreover, his athleticism and ability to help the Pistons in the rebounding department have been helpful.

With the things he has shown, it will be interesting if Detroit ends up keeping him once his contract ends this 2021-22 season.

Six games in a Pistons uniform may be premature to gauge Bagley.

The Pistons are out of the playoff picture, so the team’s remaining games may be nothing more than a barometer to figure out necessary changes in the summer.

For Bagley, giving it all makes sense. He can use the remaining games to show other teams what he can do and get a good deal in the offseason.

But if the Pistons like what they see, the former Duke product may be staying in the Motor City longer.