The Detroit Pistons could be very active approaching the NBA trade deadline. But they could also not do a darned thing … and that could work out for them even better.
The cell phone of Pistons general manager Troy Weaver is probably ringing almost 24 hours a day at this point, with the February 10 NBA trading deadline approaching. Since many teams are in contention to make the post-season, and some general managers jobs could be on the line if they don’t make it, Weaver is a popular guy to chat with.
Detroit (as of this writing) are 12 games out of even making the play-in tournament, so their focus is entirely improving for the future, as nothing is really going to change their chances for the present.
Outside of Cade Cunningham, no one should be considered untouchable for Detroit, if the right offer is made. Emphasize right deal, one that improves the club.
However, the best thing the Pistons could do – might be nothing. Just sitting on their hands and do absolutely nothing, might actually be the best strategy.
Now, to clarify, we are not talking about moves that affect the edges, like the since-invalidated Rodney McGruder-Bol Bol trade. If Weaver wants to send Sacramento a 2030 second-rounder for Marvin Bagley III, go for it. But major moves involving starters, key reserves and first-round draft picks might be better off pushed to a later date.
While it might be a frenetic couple of weeks in the league, Weaver could choose to wait until the off-season to make major moves, where he will have months to work on deals.