Detroit Pistons: Expectations for the trade deadline

Detroit Pistons: Do not trade- Jerami Grant or any of the rookies

Grant’s timeline matches up neatly with what Detroit is trying to accomplish. He will be 29 years old when he is looking for his next contract.

By that time, he will have three seasons as the the team’s lead scorer and a top-tier defender. The Pistons’ strong rookie class should be even better. Two more high-lottery picks could be in the fold.

What Grant could become in these mid-prime years is a mystery that is necessary to explore. Teams have thrown multiple 1st-rounders for Grant, but what is the likelihood any of them could turn into what he has been now? Not very likely.

The rookies, of course, are not as established as Grant, though they certainly inspire confidence and should be untouchable.

We knew Isaiah Stewart would eventually start shooting threes, but who expected it this early? He has made six of 13 attempts and is also shooting 55 percent from midrange.

Saddiq Bey looks like a future All-Star the way he can guard ‘1’ through ‘4’ and stroke a 3-pointer. His growing penchant for attacking the rim has been nice to see.

Hayes was shaky before being sidelined with a hip injury, but that feels more like an aberration than the norm. The No. 7 pick will have ample time to prove his worth as the point guard of the future.

Saben Lee isn’t immovable, but even he has the benefit of Detroit’s patience to develop into a long-term contributor.

The Detroit Pistons are not likely to be quiet at the deadline but the moves are more likely to be small than a splashy trade for a star.