10 takeaways from the Detroit Pistons first half of the season

6. The Drummond conundrum

Drummond is the focal point of at least seven teams interested in acquiring him. Detroit is in an odd position with Drummond admitting he wants to stay in Detroit. He also wants to test free agency, declining a player option valued at $28.8 million.

Drummond, 26, had played particularly well since the trade rumors began circulating. Over the four games since the first report, Drummond averaged 19.3 points and 19.8 rebounds per game with the Pistons going 2-2 in that stretch.

But Saturday’s loss against the Bulls he seemed bothered by something. He only had nine points and four rebounds on five shots in 19 minutes. He then got benched in Monday’s 117-110 overtime loss to the Pelicans, in which he scored 11 points on 5 of 14 shooting with 10 rebounds. Jahlil Okafor got the best of him though, posting a line of 25 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and three blocks.

Detroit is in an interesting spot. So far they haven’t received a trade offer with a first round pick attached. If they trade Drummond for expiring contracts only, then what’s the point? They would lose his bird rights and an opportunity to leverage those in re-signing him.

It’s a difficult position to be in for both parties. Drummond could help himself by choosing to opt-in or admit he’d re-sign in particular destinations. That would also incentivize teams on such a list to acquire him given the assurance Drummond could offer them.

The clock is ticking as the Feb. 6 trade deadline nears.