The Utah Jazz have made a move ahead of the trade deadline, sending forward Simone Fontecchio to the Detroit Pistons.
The 28-year-old Italian forward is heading to Detroit in exchange for Kevin Knox, a 2024 second-round pick, and the rights to Gabriele Procida, the No. 36 overall pick in the 2022 Draft.
This season Fontecchio is averaging 8.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 23.2 minutes per game. He is on an expiring contract, worth $3.1 million this year.
ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski noted that Fontecchio will be a restricted free agent this summer, indicating the Pistons’ intention to integrate him into their long-term plans. Despite considerable interest from other teams, Detroit secured Fontecchio’s services for a relatively modest price.
In return, the Jazz receive Knox, a familiar face in NBA trade circles, who is on a one-year, $2.1 million deal. The 24-year-old small forward, a former lottery pick, is averaging 7.2 points and 2.4 rebounds in 18.1 minutes per game.
Procida, a promising Italian prospect currently playing in EuroLeague with ALBA Berlin. At just 21 years old, Procida offers long-term potential and adds to Utah’s pool of talent for the future. He is averaging 8.7 points and 1.6 rebounds in just under 18 minutes per game in EuroLeague.
