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Are the Detroit Pistons looking to make a trade?

By Braden Shackelford

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 4: Head coach Stan Van Gundy of the Detroit Pistons looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on November 4, 2017 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 4: Head coach Stan Van Gundy of the Detroit Pistons looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on November 4, 2017 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Pistons started the season strong. Then the Pistons went on a seven game losing streak. Now the Pistons are on another streak, after winning two straight games. Irregardless of performance, Stan Van Gundy says the team is always open to making a move.

The Detroit Pistons have been in search for a star for years, though the pursuit has been even more rigorous under Stan Van Gundy the last few years.

With the team finally healthy (for the most part) and performing well (for the most part), could the Pistons still be in the market to make a deal?

Stan Van Gundy via Detroit Free Press:

"“Obviously ears are always open,” Van Gundy said, smiling, as he mirrored the thoughts of the fan base. “… But right now I still think this can be a good team.”"

Stan Van Gundy and Jeff Bower are always looking to improve the roster, team performance aside.

However, I wonder about the nature of their intent this season.

Obviously, the Pistons would welcome a true star via the trade market, but there is not much available with Kristaps Porzingis back on track with the New York Knicks, and Kyrie Irving, DeMarcus Cousins, and Paul George have landed in new places.

I believe Van Gundy and Bower will pull the trigger on a deal if it makes the team better, but don’t bet on that player being a transcendent talent.

Moreover, I believe the more probable trade scenarios involving the Pistons will be exchanges that benefit the Pistons in future cap space.

The team has a few bad contracts in Jon Leuer and Boban Marjanovic. However, a deal involving either player will likely involve future first round draft picks, which may be something neither Van Gundy nor Bower would be willing to part with given the Pistons could very well end up in the lottery again with one bad injury.

Next: Will Detroit Pistons/Stanley Johnson ever click?

In short, don’t get your hopes up for a big trade, but don’t be surprised if moves are made.

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