The Detroit Pistons have officially acquired guard Isaiah Joe from the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to a team announcement. Joe, a sharp-shooter who spent the last four seasons in Oklahoma City, now joins a rebuilding Pistons squad in need of perimeter scoring.
Joe averaged 8.2 points per game last season while shooting 41.6 percent from three-point range. His efficiency from deep addresses a critical need for Detroit, which ranked near the bottom of the league in three-point percentage a year ago. The 24-year-old has also shown flashes of playmaking ability off the bench.
The move gives the Pistons additional wing depth as they look to build around guard Cade Cunningham. Meanwhile, pundits have speculated that Detroit may not be done dealing. One report suggests the team could pursue a $90 million former MVP and two-time NBA champion to pair with Cunningham in a potential trade.
Detroit now holds a younger, more versatile backcourt but still faces questions about its long-term ceiling. The addition of Joe alone may not move the needle significantly in the Eastern Conference. If the Pistons do land a star, they would accelerate their timeline considerably.
"We're excited to add Isaiah's shooting and work ethic to our group," a team spokesperson said. The Pistons next face the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday as they continue their preseason schedule.