Few teams have been mentioned in more trade rumors than the Detroit Pistons, though there seems to be far more smoke than fire in most cases. They could look to consolidate some of their talent at the trade deadline, which might mean trading Caris LeVert.
LeVert was named the Pistons player “most likely to be traded” in a recent article by Bleacher Report, which would be music to the ears of a growing contingency of Pistons fans who have turned on the streaky wing.
In LeVert’s defense, he hasn’t been that bad and has shot the ball well (especially from 3-point range) as he tries to get right after several nagging injuries to start the season. But right now, his role in the rotation isn’t clear, especially playing alongside Jaden Ivey, which has not been a great fit.
Hopefully more practice time and a few days off to get healthy are all LeVert needs to get into a better rhythm in the offense.
If the Pistons were to make a blockbuster trade, there is a good chance LeVert would be included to help match salaries, but otherwise, LeVert haters will probably have to wait, as he’s going to get a chance to further prove himself in the Pistons’ rotation.
Detroit Pistons: Trading Caris LeVert won't be easy
As I said, it’s possible he’ll be moved as part of a bigger deal, but otherwise, there won’t be any teams lining up to trade for LeVert on his own.
He’s playing the fewest minutes of his career and his numbers are down across the board, so his trade value couldn’t be much lower, especially when you consider he still has another year left on his deal at $14 million, a number that may make the Pistons regret passing on Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who has been amazing.
But coach JB Bickerstaff is familiar and comfortable with LeVert and is going to give him opportunity over Daniss Jenkins, as he has a more proven track record as a veteran. At some point he will have to tighten the rotation, and LeVert will get every chance to play his way into making the cut.
Jenkins has been a great story and arguably deserves that shot even more, but JB Bickerstaff is not ready to hand over a huge role to a two-way player when he has a known commodity who may just need time to get right.
I’d be shocked if Caris LeVert finishes his contract with the Pistons, as his expiring contract will almost certainly be involved in a bigger trade next offseason, but unless that trade comes sooner, LeVert will be with the Pistons and he’s going to play.