The position of the Detroit Pistons among the rumors

It is fair to say that frustration is setting into the Detroit Pistons fan base. The front office is openly in a win now mentality, yet the team sits on the wrong side of the playoff picture.

Fear not, there appears to be a glimmer of hope for the middling Detroit Pistons. The looming trade deadline is bringing excitement in the form of what could be. Other teams are starting to listen to offers on players that could potentially thrust the Motor City into the playoffs.

One listen to Ed Stefanski on Wired Podcast might just dim that glistening playoff light. In fact, from the sounds of things, the Pistons appear to be content staying put with the roster that has earned a spot 1.5 games out of the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.

According to a tweet from Rod Beard, Stefanski says if there is a decision it will come on February 7, for those unaware that is the day of the trade deadline. That will be fun, waiting til the last minute is usually fun.

Except, I don’t buy it.

For one, teams don’t need to declare themselves buyers or sellers to get a deal worked out. Another thing, trades certainly do not happen in a day. Unless, of course, the plan is to use the trade machine on ESPN.

Beard notes later that Stefanski is very transparent about the Detroit Pistons future in the podcast. If you have not listened to it, please do.

There is one more tweet from Beard to bring up. One where he talks about the front offices desire to tank..or lack thereof. Without wanting to tank, the notion of selling seems to be off the table. Unless they can unload a contract an get some immediate financial wiggle room, which is very difficult to do and is also highly unlikely.

If what Stefanski said is true it could be a long season. But, this is the same team that started 13-8, they could catch fire once again. Selling would ensure that would not happen.

Amidst all the uncertainty of what is to come, those clinging to the ever burning light called hope can find salvation in rumors. Namely, rumors out of Memphis surrounding Mike Conley and Marc Gasol. Maybe the idea of Tim Hardaway Jr. could do the trick.

Imports are not the only salvation though. Talks of exports can do the trick too. It seems lately, the export of choice is big man Andre Drummond.

Thanks to a generous elbow from from the Heats’ James Johnson, we got a glimpse of the Drummond-less Detroit Pistons. The team went 1-2 and relied on the combination of Blake Griffin, Zaza Pachulia, and Jon Leuer to fill the shoes. It is safe to say that IF a trade happens involving Drummond, a center better be in the return package.

Either way, the trade market can change instantly. Recent injuries to Victor Oladipo and Spencer Dinwiddie are likely to change how teams approach the trade deadline. And they will likely not be the last injuries to happen between now and February 7.

Doing nothing at the trade deadline will have its positives and negatives. There is a need for change on the team, but it will come at a cost. No team will just give the Detroit Pistons a player that will help them without taking something of equal value.