PistonPowered
Fansided

Detroit Pistons: Navigating the 2019 Trade Deadline

By Ben Lanza

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 3: Andre Drummond #0 and Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons look on prior to the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 3, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 3: Andre Drummond #0 and Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons look on prior to the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 3, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next

Sell

If the Pistons were to sell at the deadline, it would mean they are looking for a short rebuild that would make them competitive again within the next few years. A long-term rebuild (like the “Process”) is out of the question with this ownership and with the contracts they still have. Selling would have the Pistons trading Reggie Bullock and Ish Smith, both of which are garnering interest around the league.

If the goal of this season is still to make the playoffs, trading either of these players would not make much sense, as both are worth more to the Pistons on the court than they would be for a lot of other teams. Both players are on reasonable, expiring contracts, and would be marketable for a lot of teams looking to improve. If there is a late first available for these players, the Pistons would have to seriously consider the deal.

Another trade that I consider to be a “sell” would be trading for a disgruntled young player. The two players that come to mind for this type of trade are Dennis Smith and Markelle Fultz as the Pistons desperately seek their point guard of the future. Both of these players wouldn’t make the team significantly better this season, especially if they cost Bullock and Smith.

Selling on Bullock and Smith (and any other player another team finds valuable) would mean the Pistons are punting on this season and gearing up for upcoming seasons. If they can nab a couple of extra picks or a young player with potential while simultaneously improving their draft position, it might be something the team considers.

Home/Pistons News