There has been plenty of negativity around the Detroit Pistons’ offseason so far, and it’s understandable given the high expectations fans had entering the summer.
To his credit, Trajan Langdon is exploring every option, from the top tier guys available and now extending that to players like DeMar DeRozan.
Nothing has happened so far, but it’s not through a lack of effort, and the Pistons have made it clear that they will make the big move when the right one comes along.
It hasn’t so far, which has led Trajan Langdon to make moves around the fringes. Those moves may not be splashy headlines, but I like everything the Pistons have done so far. They’ve clearly addressed a need for more 3-point shooting, and maybe most importantly, haven’t done anything stupid.
The Pistons haven’t made the wrong move
Avoiding bad moves is just as important as making good ones, and the Pistons have resisted the temptation to reach this summer.
Though it would satisfy the part of the fanbase that just wants a big name, passing on players like Tyler Herro and Trey Murphy III was probably the right move given the cost involved.
Langdon wants long-term, sustainable success and selling out all of your draft assets for non-All-Stars is not the way to do it.
I do understand the fan frustration after another offseason of being attached to big names only to strike out, but there were red flags with everyone Detroit was connected to in rumors, whether it was contract, age or trade cost.
Continued patience will be tough, and many fans don’t want to hear this, but the Pistons are now poised for the exact move these fans have been waiting for.
Kick the can to the trade deadline
I know no one wants to hear about a timeline with the words “trade deadline” in it, but the Pistons are perfectly set up to make a big move, and if they do, their patience will have been vindicated.
Many of the players Detroit has been attached to may be cheaper at the trade deadline, especially any of the guys on expiring deals. Even the aforementioned Herro and TMIII options may look better at the trade deadline when their respective teams are more desperate to get something out of their losing season.
Aside from their young talent, the most important asset the Pistons have is financial flexibility, and they’ve managed to improve (hopefully) the team without giving it up.
With more tradable contracts this season, the Pistons are poised to make the kind of move that will push them further into the playoffs.
Flexibility is not an easy sell, but it is vital to team building, so if the right move isn’t there, Langdon is right not to force the issue and lose his greatest asset.
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