NBA trade season will kick off for real after December 15th, when most newly signed free agents are eligible to be traded, a group that includes several Detroit Pistons.
It’s tough to gauge where the Pistons will be at the trade deadline, as they are currently stuck between a team that might look to add talent for a stretch run at the play-in and one that will sell off parts to try and lose enough to keep their top-13 protected pick in 2025.
If the go the latter route, there are three players who will be on the trade block and will have several interested suitors.
Paul Reed
The Pistons’ 3rd center doesn’t play much but has shown in the past that he can be a competent backup.
He’s also on a contract that would be easy to move and doesn’t involve any obligations past this season, as next year is only partially guaranteed.
Reed will be a name we hear attached to any team that needs center depth and there will likely be several of them if the Pistons are patient.
Teams to watch: Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers
Tim Hardaway Jr.
THJ might as well be named “Tim Hardaway’s Expiring Contract” at this point, and he is a guy the Pistons will almost certainly trade if there are teams interested.
He’s been solid/not great for the Pistons, but teams know what they are getting from a veteran who can knock down 3-point shots. His $16 million salary could be useful in a number of ways, to help grease a 3-team deal, traded to a team in need of shooting or used to package if the Pistons want to add talent.
He’ll likely be moved one way or another, but if the Pistons did want to add a better player, Utah is a team to watch, as the Pistons could take back John Collins for THJ and draft assets.
But if they are just selling him to the highest bidder, there are other teams to watch.
Teams to watch: OKC Thunder, LA Lakers, Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets
Simone Fontecchio
Fontecchio has yet to get back to where he was last season after undergoing toe surgery in the offseason, but he’d still be a commodity for a team looking for shooting on the wing.
Especially given his contract, as he is owed just $8 million in this season and next, giving him a salary plenty of teams could absorb.
Fontecchio can definitely help the Pistons if he is hitting shots, so he’s not a guy they will just give up for nothing, but you could also argue that they don’t really need him and that he’s currently just eating into minutes for their two #5 picks.
Tek is a tough call, as the Pistons aren’t likely to get too much for him, so he might be more valuable to them given his contract.
Could they squeeze a first-round pick or young player out of someone? I am doubtful.