So, could it happen?
On paper, and in the never-ending ESPN Trade Machine-filled tweets of Pistons fans, the trade is at least possible.
Russell and Drummond are set to make nearly identical salaries for the 2019-20 season. So “the money works.”
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As mentioned before, the Russell fit in Golden State feels awkward due to Thompson’s potential return late in the upcoming season. There is still a high likelihood they trade him at some point depending on how their season progresses.
The Pistons have the same wait-and-see situation this upcoming season. If the team is winning games and Drummond is as dominant as ever, they may opt to keep him past the deadline and try their luck with him in the offseason.
However, should they struggle as they have in recent seasons around December and January, it would be surprising if this front office let the deadline pass without getting something back for Drummond.
The Pistons will not be at the top of most valuable free agents for the foreseeable future and Drummond, despite his history with the team, would likely be the same should he opt-out next summer.
Trades like one for a young star like Russell, who would not likely pick a team like Detroit under his own power, could be the start of an exciting time for a young, up-and-coming team.
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