Detroit Pistons notebook: A look at the latest trade reports and rumors

Several different reports came out Friday regarding the Detroit Pistons and the trade market. Here’s a snapshot of where the Pistons are at.

Nothing is new for the Detroit Pistons on the trade front. They’re still the focal point of several trade rumors with several different players implicated.

The clock is ticking with under one week for teams to complete a trade ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline. As such, reports are heating up. Here’s a look at the latest.

From The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III

James L. Edwards III, Pistons beat writer for The Athletic, came out with a story looking at the trade tiers for Pistons players. It begins with players likely on the move, or “most logical”.

First it’s Andre Drummond, who has been implicated in rumors since the turn of the decade. Edwards said Drummond could be packaged with another young piece to increase his value but only offers insight to trading Drummond alone. He believes the Pistons would settle for a second-round pick or an “iffy young prospect.”

Edwards reports the Pistons are actively listening to offers for Derrick Rose and believes the Pistons will get something they like before the deadline. Rose is considered as the best trade chip, given his All-Star-caliber play and the fact his contract expires after the 2020-21 season which will free up cap space for the often-anticipated 2021 free agent class.

Markieff Morris and Langston Galloway are among those he said would fetch a second round pick.

Then came what some may consider a surprise as to Luke Kennard. He’s not under the “most logical” category but instead “could be traded”, and even packaged with Drummond. Edwards had this to offer:

"“I’m not saying Kennard will get traded, but consider this your warning in the event that he does,” he wrote."

Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, who was named to the NBA’s Rising Stars Game on Friday, has blossomed into a solid rotational player. That opens up an avenue for trading Kennard, who has dealt with injuries each season in his NBA career so far.

Then there’s the prospects of trading Christian Wood, who will hit unrestricted free agency this summer. The Pistons could be out-bid for him in free agency given other needs, or at least offered more than they’re willing to pay, but he appears to be a part of their future plans.

"“I don’t see it happening, but, again, it wouldn’t surprise me,” Edwards wrote."

From The Athletic’s Shams Charania

One of the league’s premier reporters, The Athletic’s Shams Charania, put together a notebook of his own. In Inside Pass, Charania mentions updates on several teams, including the Pistons, with the big focus on the New Orleans Pelicans and Jrue Holiday. That could be an interesting avenue for the Pistons to explore, but the two weren’t linked together.

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Holiday has surpassed Drummond and Cleveland’s Kevin Love as the marquee trade piece but also the most unlikely as the Pelicans have won 12 of 18 and are five games out of the eighth seed in the West. Coupled with Zion Williamson‘s return, Holiday wants to see out the rest of the season.

The Atlanta Hawks are former Drummond suitors and are one of several teams interested in Houston’s Clint Capela, which could cripple Drummond’s trade value even more. Others the Hawks have expressed interest in are Steven Adams and Dewayne Dedmon, while they’ve taken calls on John Collins.

Most importantly, Charania reported the Pistons are asking for a lottery-level pick for Rose. The only place that fits that description appears to be the Boston Celtics, who have Memphis’ first-round pick.

Vince Ellis, the Pistons’ Detroit Free Press beat writer, confirmed Charania’s report adding, “Pistons would prefer to keep him. Good money and short money. Also a good presence for a young team, which they will be.”

This is where the Pistons stand, according to multiple media outlets. There are six days until the NBA’s trade deadline comes and goes. The Pistons are sure to be in the thick of it all.