The Detroit Pistons have the young players, draft assets and financial flexibility to make a big trade, but fans aren’t likely to get it anytime soon.
Even though the Pistons made the playoffs last season, they still have plenty of internal evaluation to do before they can make long-term commitments to some of their players. Trajan Langdon will likely use the first part of the season seeing how Jaden Ivey responds to his return from injury and evaluating the fit of the young core.
The good news is that the Pistons are set up for a big trade if they do need one, but they won’t be able to make it for some time depending on who is included.
Detroit Pistons: Some players cannot be moved in a trade until December 15th
Newly signed players cannot be traded until December 15th, and the Pistons have two of them in Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson.
Robinson’s contract could end up being extremely valuable, as he only has one fully guaranteed year on his deal, so a team can take him on without any long-term obligations.
The Pistons also have a $14.3 million TPE that along with Robinson’s salary, would be a nice start financially for a big trade.
The Pistons also have the expiring contract of Tobias Harris ($26 million) to potentially add to the pot, which gives them the ability to chase just about anyone when it comes to matching salary.
Both of these players figure to be key parts of the Pistons’ rotation, so won’t be traded unless Detroit is getting a big name back.
The Pistons are hoping such a move isn’t necessary and that they have the guys in-house to compete for the Eastern Conference right now, but if not, they have the ammo to make changes.
But they won’t be happening anytime soon, as Detroit still has to evaluate what they have, and NBA contract rules prohibit them from moving what could be one of their most valuable trade assets in Duncan Robinson.
The timeline for a big trade starts on December 15th but not before, and it’s far more likely that the Pistons wait until nearer the trade deadline before making any drastic changes to the roster.
It’s a good spot for Trajan Langdon to be in, as he has the luxury of patience and getting a good look at his current roster before having to make any bold decisions.