3 Non-Pistons storylines fans should be glued to this season

Fans of the Detroit Pistons are currently digesting the daily stories from training camp, getting the day-to-day minutiae of a team trying to make a big leap.

There are plenty of storylines to follow, from the training camp battles for the rotation, to Ausar Thompson’s rookie debut, to Isaiah Stewart’s shift to the four to Cade Cunningham’s return and the growth of Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren.

The Pistons have to be one of the most intriguing 17-win teams of all time, and if things bounce right, they could double that win total and defy expectations for next season.

But there are non-Pistons stories to keep an eye on as well, some that could eventually affect Detroit, and others that are just part of being a basketball fan.

The big trade

We’ve already seen Damian Lillard dealt, James Harden may be next and there are a surprising number of NBA stars who could be traded next season if you peruse every team. I’m of the opinion that more player movement is good for the Detroit Pistons as it moves their trade assets up the list of targets and potentially puts them in the driver’s seat for a big trade of their own.

Whether they pursue their own star or get involved as a third team, the Pistons will benefit from stars being moved, so this will be something to watch as the season progresses. Keep your eyes on the stars toiling on bad teams, as the Pistons will be sniffing around for ways to get involved in their eventual trades.

It will also be interesting to see how the big trades that have already happened will affect the Eastern Conference. Is Damian Lillard’s offense enough to offset the loss of Jrue Holiday’s defense? Are Holiday and Porzingis enough to push Boston over the top for a title?

This season will largely be defined by the big trades that have happened and the ones that are coming.