The first domino of the Utah Jazz’s trade deadline period fell on Wednesday morning.
The team traded small forward Simone Fontecchio to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Kevin Knox, the draft rights to Gabriele Procida, and a 2024 second-round pick, according to multiple reports.
The prized asset in the deal is the second-round pick. According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, the pick is the most favorable of either Washington or Memphis’ 2024 second-round picks. Right now, that would be Washington’s selection, the current No. 32 pick in the upcoming draft.
Losing Fontecchio, though, will be a blow to the Jazz. Initially inserted into the starting lineup as the Jazz sought more effort after a season-changing loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, Fontecchio ended up starting 34 games for the Jazz this year before being traded. He won over fans with his 3-point shooting — 39 percent this season — and his defensive size and effort at the small forward position.
Fontecchio was also well-liked in the Jazz’s locker room, with team star Lauri Markkanen and center Walker Kessler among those with a good relationship with the man referred to as either “Simo” or “Tech.”
But the 28-year-old Italian was also on an expiring deal worth just $3 million this year. He’ll enter this summer’s free agency class as a restricted free agent.
Kevin Knox is a former No. 9 pick from the 2018 NBA Draft that has played for four different teams in the NBA, before playing a variety of roles for the Pistons this year. He’s on an expiring, minimum contract.
Procida is a 21-year-old Italian player who currently plays for Alba Berlin in Germany after being drafted with the No. 36 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Standing 6-7, Procida once was considered a valuable draft-and-stash prospect for the future, but has struggled somewhat overseas since being picked by the Pistons.
This story will be updated.
