The Detroit Pistons head into 2025 with play-in hopes as they cling to the 10th and final spot in the Eastern Conference.
The question is whether they will try to augment their roster for a real run or sell off parts and cap space at the deadline for future assets.
It’s unlikely Trajan Langdon swings for the fences in his first season as team president, as he has preached patience, development and the garnering of assets, which could lead to a boring trade deadline but the potential for bigger deals down the road.
But there are players the Pistons could acquire for little more than an expiring contract and a second-round draft pick or two. It has been a buyer’s market so far, as guys like Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith didn’t even fetch a first-round pick.
With that market in mind, could the Pistons consider bringing back a familiar face to boost their chances at the playoffs?
Trading for Bruce Brown
Bruce Brown has only played one game this season after returning from injury, but in those 19 minutes he showed what he brings to a team. Brown had 12 points, grabbed three rebounds and added an assist and steal.
Brown is the sort of do-it-all wing whose stats are never going to jump off the page but who does a lot of little things to help win games.
The Pistons’ defense has been struggling of late, as they were just 28th in the league in December, so in addition to playing their best defenders more, the Pistons could add a guy who can competently defend four positions and can slide into just about any lineup.
Insider Marc Stein (subscription) predicted Brown was available for second-round picks, so the Pistons could potentially flip Tim Hardaway Jr’s expiring contract and a future second, hardly a king’s ransom.
This would open up more minutes for Ausar Thompson and give the Pistons another competent defender who can knock down the occasional 3-pointer. Brown isn't the shooter that THJ is, but he rebounds and defends his position and can make plays for others, things that THJ doesn't do.
Given that Brown has barely played, he obviously has to show that he is healthy and can stay that way before any team is going to trade for him.
There’s also the issue of contract, as Brown is on an expiring deal, so the Pistons could take him on without any long-term obligations. Brown was a fan favorite in Detroit in his first stint with the team, he’d be a fun addition for the stretch run and one that could help Detroit play meaningful basketball this season without hurting the chemistry or disrupting the young core.
The Detroit Pistons will have options as the trade deadline approaches, including using some modest draft assets to improve the roster.