The Detroit Pistons are 13-17, good for the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference and are not a team expected to make a roster-altering trade, at least not this season.
But because of various factors, they hold a unanimous title heading into February’s NBA trade deadline, which is the team that will control the market.
The Detroit Pistons have cap space
As we’ve talked about plenty of times, the Pistons are the only team in the NBA with cap space and given the limitations placed on teams because of the tax aprons, that is going to matter.
The new CBA has made it more challenging financially to make deals, so teams that want to make a big one will almost be forced to call on Detroit to help.
It puts them in a great position to take on assets, and as the Jimmy Butler rumors start to heat up again, you can bet Trajan Langdon is looking for the way to best cash in on his flexibility.
A lot of fans don’t like the idea of renting space for future picks, but personally, I like this team, they have fight and I wouldn’t be mad if they were allowed to see it through.
Langdon’s phone is going to be ringing for plenty of other reasons.
Expiring deals and shooting
To go along with their cap space, the Pistons have other assets that are always coveted around the trade deadline, which are expiring deals and shooters.
Both Tim Hardaway Jr. and Malik Beasley are on expiring contracts and would offer a boost of shooting, while Simone Fontecchio is also on a team-friendly deal and is sure to get some calls.
This is not saying the Pistons should trade these guys just to move them, but they will be some of the hottest names on the trade market, so Detroit will have options.
The Pistons have young players other teams might try to poach
Again, this is not me saying the Pistons should trade these guys, but teams are likely to inquire about the availability of players like Isaiah Stewart, Jalen Duren, Jaden Ivey and backup Paul Reed.
It’s hard to imagine the Pistons trading Ivey at this point. Same with Stewart, who has proven himself to be a valuable role player.
Teams are going to be calling though and Trajan Langdon is going to have any number of ways to reshape his roster. My bet is on the salary dump for picks option and I am good with it.
Fans don’t want to hear about patience, but it may be the best route and the quickest way to build a sustainable playoff contender.