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The secret to making a trade in the NBA is… Secrecy?

By Ash Vanclay

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 28: Head coach Stan Van Gundy of the Detroit Pistons argues a call during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on January 28, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Pistons 121-104. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 28: Head coach Stan Van Gundy of the Detroit Pistons argues a call during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on January 28, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Pistons 121-104. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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With the dust having settled on the blockbuster NBA trade that brought star player Blake Griffin to the Detroit Pistons, Jeff Bower gave us an insight into how it all came about and what goes into a trade.

In arguably the biggest trade deal of the season and definitely the biggest deal of the trade deadline we get an insight as to how Jeff Bower actually completed this trade and it’s much simpler than we all think.

Jeff Bower relies on his instinct and relationships with other team’s general managers (GMs).

Jeff Bower said that with the Griffin trade it took them roughly 10 to 20 counter proposals before they actually agreed upon the eventual deal, and not only that he also indicated that the trade talks for this started much earlier in the season, with him trying to have an understanding of the Los Angeles Clippers general philosophy and where they were looking with their players, and who was available.

The other thing working in the Detroit Pistons favor when working out a trade is secrecy.

As all Detroit Pistons fans would know, if we hear about a trade rumor, then it’s fairly likely that it won’t happen. This has been a hallmark of the Stan Van Gundy era at Detroit.

This is important as it gives opposing GM’s a degree of confidence in actually having conversations with Stan Van Gundy or Jeff Bower because they know that it’s a safe space.

Jeff was quoted as saying:

"“If you have a franchise that has a history of their business being in the headlines, teams won’t do business with you, or they’ll only discuss the obvious things to get to discussions that are highly combustible or disruptive to teams.”"

"“You have to have a little give and take and you must have trust amongst teams that you can discuss names without it becoming public because so much of the time, (the trade) dies on the phone.”"

This will hold the Detroit Pistons in good stead going forward, and they’ve already benefitted from their fair and honest trade style by acquiring a star player, and having been active over the last 3 trade deadlines.

If they can keep up this reputation (which I fully anticipate) then look for the Detroit Pistons to remain active and to benefit greatly from some good deals in the future.

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