Reports: Saddiq Bey will be a target for the Wizards, Clippers and Mavericks
Saddiq Bey has been going through a bit of a slump so far this season. After making the All-Rookie First Team two seasons ago, he built on the momentum last season by improving on his averages across the board.
It was a great sign for the Detroit Pistons, who have continued to hold out hope regarding Saddiq Bey's development ever since they acquired him on draft night.
Currently, the Pistons have one of the worst records in the NBA. Sitting behind the Orlando Magic, the Pistons 5-16 record puts them in last place in a stacked Eastern Conference.
The only team with a worse record in the entire league is the Houston Rockets, who are just 4-14 this season. With Saadiq Bey's averages so far looking worse than last season, it now sounds as though the Pistons are ready to listen to offers.
According to a report that emerged this week, there are three teams interested in acquiring Bey via trade. The Washington Wizards, the LA Clippers, and the Dallas Mavericks are all reportedly interested in making a move for the former 19th overall pick out of Villanova. The report, which was broken by Sam Amico, can be seen below.
The Wizards, Clippers and Mavericks may be among the teams interested in Saddiq Bey, per @AmicoHoops https://t.co/9nO4NlPXyn
In addition, you can see some of Bey's highlights from last season below.
Saddiq Bey's trade value
Although Saddiq Bey put together an impressive season last year that saw him score a career-high 51 points, this season hasn't been the same. On top of his averages taking a sharp drop, the forward has missed five games as the result of an ankle sprain that has continued to give him trouble. After appearing in all 82 games last season, Bey missing five of the team's 21 games could be cause for concern
Even though it's early in the season, the drop in averages and the ankle sprain could have an impact on his trade value. One of the most alarming aspects of Bey's statline this season is the 29% three-point percentage. In his rookie year, Bey averaged 37.4% from beyond the arc, the following season he improved and shot a whopping 45.1% from deep.
While a new team could help him return to his previous form, the Wizards, Clippers, and Mavericks will have to weigh the benefits against the risk.
For Saddiq Bey, a move to any of the three teams would likely find him in a better position compared to the Pistons. Right now the Washington Wizards are tied for sixth place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 10-9. Out West, the Dallas Mavericks sit in ninth in the West wth a record of 9-8. Sitting just above them in the standings are the LA Clippers in eighth place.
The Pistons are currently gearing up to host the Cleveland Cavaliers Sunday afternoon in Detroit. Bey sat out the team's recent loss to the Phoenix Suns earlier this week. However, he could return for the game on Sunday. According to reports, Saddiq Bey traveled to have some work done on his ankle over the weekend.
Stay tuned for updates as they become available.