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Detroit Pistons trade for Simone Fontecchio, Utah Jazz sweet-shooting forward

Omari Sankofa II, Detroit Free Press
·2 min read
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The Detroit Pistons were expected to make at least one more move, weeks after clearing cap space in a trade with the Washington Wizards.

About 26 hours before Thursday's NBA trade deadline, they did just that Wednesday. The Pistons are acquiring Utah Jazz forward Simone Fontecchio for Kevin Knox II, the rights to Gabriele Procida and a 2024 second-round pick, the Free Press confirmed. That selection is currently No. 32 overall (more favorable of Washington or Memphis).

A few hours later, the Pistons dealt Monte Morris to Minnesota for two players and a second-rounder.

Detroit Pistons guard Marcus Sasser defends Utah Jazz forward Simone Fontecchio during the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023.
Detroit Pistons guard Marcus Sasser defends Utah Jazz forward Simone Fontecchio during the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023.

Fontecchio, 28, is listed at 6 feet 7, 209 pounds, and shooting 39.1% from 3-point range this season. He's averaging 8.9 points and 3.5 rebounds in 23.2 minutes per game over 50 games (34 starts) for Utah, which is 26-26 and 10th in the Western Conference. He could find an expanded role on a Pistons team lacking shooting, size and defense on the perimeter. The second-year wing, who signed a two-year, $6.3 million contract with Utah last summer after playing in Europe for 10 seasons, grades out as a strong offensive rebounder and solid defender.

REACTION: Detroit Pistons fans call trade for Simone Fontecchio a 'great move'

A source told the Free Press the Pistons view the sharpshooter, who is entering restricted free agency this offseason, as a great fit with their young core, and will look to secure his future in Detroit. Several contending teams competed for his services, but the Pistons were able to acquire him with the juicy second-round pick.

The Pistons parted with Knox, 24, who signed a one-year deal with the team in November for the second season in a row. It's also the second time the Pistons have traded the 6-7 wing at the deadline. Knox gave the Pistons depth at forward and averaged 7.2 points in 31 appearances, including 11 starts, making 33% of his 3s.

Italy's Gabriele Procida dunks the ball during the FIBA Basketball World Cup classification semifinal match vs. Latvia in Manila, Philippines on Sept. 7, 2023.
Italy's Gabriele Procida dunks the ball during the FIBA Basketball World Cup classification semifinal match vs. Latvia in Manila, Philippines on Sept. 7, 2023.

Procida, 21, was the No. 36 overall pick in the 2022 draft. The 6-7 Italian wing is playing in Germany currently for ALBA Berlin of the Basketball Bundesliga. He averages 8.7 points across 23 games this season (three starts) for ALBA Berlin, which is third at 11-5 in the 18-team league. He's making 57.2% of his 2s (43-for-75), 30.3% of his 3s (27-for-89) and 77.3% of his free throws (34-for-44).

UPDATES: Detroit Pistons NBA trade deadline 2024 rumor tracker

The Pistons now are without a second-round pick until 2027, and still owe a protected first-round pick to the New York Knicks.

The deal was first reported by ESPN.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Pistons trade for Simone Fontecchio, Utah Jazz 3-point shooter