NBA trade season is in full swing and the Detroit Pistons are a team repeatedly mentioned in rumors.
They have cap space, tradable contracts and an open roster spot if they wanted to take on a salary dump for assets.
But the combination of their surprising start and a buyer’s market so far, could change their plans, as Detroit is .500 and might look to add talent instead of selling it for draft picks.
I was curious what the fanbase thought, as there is a group that thinks the Pistons should go for it now, that we shouldn’t waste any of Cade Cunningham’s brilliance and that the Eastern Conference is vulnerable enough that they could make the playoffs.
But there is a much larger group that likes what they are seeing and doesn’t think the Pistons should do anything drastic. I put up a poll to get a sense of where fans stood, so here are the results, with a few options for each.
The Detroit Pistons should trade for a risky star: 24.5%
Brandon Ingram, Zach LaVine, Jimmy Butler, Bradley Beal
There are names out there like BI and Zach LaVine who are realistic targets for the Pistons. I wouldn’t consider Butler or Beal to be realistic, so let’s focus on the first two.
We have two very good players who are often hurt and whose contracts are challenging, LaVine’s because it runs for two seasons past this one at a hefty price and Ingram’s because he doesn’t have one past this season.
In a vacuum, I’d love either of these guys on the Pistons, but it depends on the cost. For example, would giving the Pels Stewart, THJ and a pick really make the Pistons that much better?
Quality depth (Cleveland, OKC) is winning over super teams right now and you can argue that sacrificing depth for Ingram or LaVine wouldn’t actually improve the team.
And when you factor in the risk of injury and their respective contract situations, it’s a no for me.
I’d rather wait for the summer when the Pistons will have some cap space and a big expiring contract to try and make a big move for a more reliable star player. Devin Booker anyone?
The Detroit Pistons should trade for a role player: 48.4%
Malcolm Brogdon, Bruce Brown, John Collins, Lonzo Ball, CJ McCollum
This was the overwhelming favorite of the choices I presented and also the one I would choose myself.
I am a big fan of making a play for Lonzo Ball, who fills a bunch of needs, wouldn’t cost much and is on an expiring deal. They could add him without drastically changing the roster and he should get better as the season goes on and he gets more comfortable.
Brogdon and Brown are in the same category as guys on expiring deals.
Collins and McCollum have deals that extend through next season but are productive players who would help the Pistons now and not kill their cap sheet. I’d much rather have the reliable McCollum for a season and a half than LaVine or BI for three or even more in Ingram’s case.
Adding a role player would allow the Pistons to stay in this playoff race but stay flexible and set them up for a big move in the summer.
The Pistons should do nothing: 15.1%
I’m not against this either.
I like this team and they are really growing and developing chemistry. The veteran signings have all worked out and are helping the development of the young players, so there is an argument that they should just ride this out and sit on their cap space.
Consider this: The Pistons have some cap space and will get a bit more in the summer. They have the big expiring contract of Tobias Harris. This could be enough to make a move.
I’d like them to add talent and show the players they are all-in on their success, but if they go this route, I won’t be livid.
The Detroit Pistons should sell vets for picks: 11.9%
This was the least popular option and that makes sense. No one wants to hear about second round picks for Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. as they would be selling out this season for a modest gains.
This was the likely scenario coming into the season but the Pistons have outplayed this option and will hopefully not sell off veterans unless there are players coming back.
The fans are for moderate improvement, not risky moves right now, and I think Trajan Langdon will accommodate them at the deadline with a move to add a role player.