When Caris LeVert becomes trade eligible on December 15, the Detroit Pistons will have a chance to capitalize on his contract and make a trade to push some chips onto the table, advancing their chances of competing for a championship this season. He will be the key to a successful trade season in Detroit.
The Pistons are already off to the best start to a season they’ve had in roughly two decades, but adding more talent by the trade deadline could solidify them as one of the top teams in the NBA. Shipping out LeVert’s contract would absolutely help them do that.
He could be their most important trade chip this year.
How will Caris LeVert shape Pistons’ trade season?
Cade Cunningham is untouchable. Jalen Duren is getting there. Tobias Harris has become an important piece of the puzzle as a veteran leader, Duncan Robinson’s three-point shooting has been huge, and Isaiah Stewart defines Pistons culture.
Jaden Ivey could potentially be a trade chip, but Detroit may not be too eager to give him up. That’s definitely the case with Ausar Thompson, and maybe even Ron Holland II, too. That doesn’t leave the Pistons with many trade chips to dish out.
LeVert has played a decent amount for the Pistons this season, and his numbers aren’t terrible, but everything he does on the court feels like it could be improved upon via a trade.
Despite just joining the Pistons this summer, LeVert finds himself as the most obvious trade chip for Detroit to throw around, especially considering how much money he makes.
This season, LeVert is on the books for $14.1 million, and next season, he’ll make $14.8 million. Obviously, since he doesn’t have a ton of value himself, the Pistons will likely have to attach picks to him, but having that salary number to work with in trades could be huge.
Guys like Ty Jerome, Anfernee Simons, or Lauri Markkanen could be potential options for the Pistons to explore. Or, if they wanted to take a huge swing, they could inquire about someone like Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, or even Jaren Jackson Jr.
But for almost any of those trades to work, the Pistons would almost certainly have to include LeVert’s salary to make the money match. It’s a great salary filler for them to have at their disposal.
LeVert may not be an essential rotation piece for the Pistons right now, but if they want to dominate trade season, he will be crucial.