Pistons vs. Magic: Quentin Grimes’ Playing Status on Saturday

At last, the Detroit Pistons will have an opportunity to see one of their new trade acquisitions from the New York Knicks in action.

Quentin Grimes, who landed on the Pistons as a deadline trade prospect, will return from a knee injury on Saturday to face the Orlando Magic.

Detroit landed Grimes, along with Ryan Arcidiacono, Malachi Flynn, and Evan Fournier. Aside from Arcidiacono, who was waived after the deal was finalized, Grimes remains the only player in the deal who failed to suit up so far. That will change on Saturday.

The matchup marks Grimes’ first game in a non-Knicks uniform since landing in the NBA. Following stints at Kansas and Houston in the NCAA, Grimes landed in the 2021 NBA Draft. He was taken 25th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers. Grimes was acquired by the Knicks on the night of the draft.

Throughout his first two seasons in New York, Grimes appeared in 117 games. He picked up 72 starts while averaging 25 minutes on the court. The young guard averaged nine points, three rebounds, and two assists while shooting 38 percent from deep.

In season three with the Knicks, Grimes’ name was consistently brought up in trade rumors. After several months of hearing his name linked in with potential trade scenarios, Grimes ended up becoming Detroit-bound this month after his final 45 games with the Knicks.

This season, Grimes averaged seven points, two rebounds, and one assist while shooting 36 percent from deep. His last appearance on the court was during New York’s January 30 game against the Utah Jazz. In that matchup, Grimes scored 12 points on 40 percent shooting while coming down with six rebounds in 20 minutes.

Since then, Grimes has been off the floor for eight straight games. The streak concludes in Detroit on Saturday night.