Reports: Jazz trade Simone Fontecchio to Pistons; Suns had interest
Feb 7, 2024, 1:59 PM | Updated: 3:37 pm
DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Pistons have acquired Simone Fontecchio from the Utah Jazz for a 2024 second-round pick, according to a person familiar with the deal.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Wednesday because the trade had not been announced.
Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro reported the Phoenix Suns had interest in Fontecchio before Utah agreed to deal him to Detroit.
The trade involving Fontecchio and the Boston Celtics trading 2027 and 2029 second-rounders, plus Lamar Stevens, for backup center Xavier Tillman set the tone for a slowly moving, tepid market heading into the trade deadline at 1 p.m. MST Thursday.
Phoenix also had “mild interest” and discussed a Tillman deal before he was traded, Gambadoro reports.
Fontecchio gives Detroit a desperately needed outside shooter and the Jazz landed a second-round pick for a player with an expiring contract.
The 28-year-old Italian small forward averaged nearly nine points and made 39.1% of his 3-pointers for the Jazz in 34 starts and 16 games as a reserve this season, his second year in the NBA.
Utah signed Fontecchio to a two-year $6.3 million in 2022.
While the Jazz are in contention for a spot in the playoffs, the Pistons have the NBA’s worst record a year after losing a league-high 65 games.