The Detroit Pistons are exceeding most people’s expectations this season.
I am Homer #1, and my predictions are usually overly optimistic, but I didn’t see this coming even though I did pick Detroit to be the surprise good team in the Eastern Conference, to make the play-in and to win 30+ games.
With 18 wins banked before the middle of January, it’s possible they are going to exceed what looked like bold preseason predictions.
Because of that, there is a vocal segment of the fanbase that thinks the Pistons should go for it now, not worry about their draft pick, try to add talent at the deadline and make a real run at the playoffs.
I do think the Pistons will make a moderate addition, but I’d be shocked if they made a big roster-altering move at this point.
But a trip to the playoffs would set the Pistons up for a big move in the offseason, when they might be able to add a player who can help take them to the next level, which would be a consistent participant in the playoffs and eventually a team that can compete for a title.
We’re not there yet, but this season has been a first step so far, so it’s not too early to think about the player or players who can help them take the next one, then the next.
There are two free agents and two possible trade targets that immediately stand out.
Unrestricted free agent: Brandon Ingram
We’ve talked about trading for BI this season and plenty of fans think they should even though Ingram is hurt, a common theme for him.
Financially, it would be easier for the Pistons to trade for BI then extend him, but if they can make it work in free agency it won’t cost them anything more than money.
I’m torn on Ingram, as I like his game and he could be the second option next to Cade Cunningham, a job he is suited for now that he is launching more 3’s. But he’s also hurt A LOT, a fact that sometimes gets overlooked since he plays with Zion Williamson, the walking injury report.
I wouldn’t give BI anything approaching a max deal and I doubt Trajan Langdon would either, as he’s very familiar with what that means to team building. In short, I like BI, but only if the price is right.
Unrestricted free agent: Myles Turner
Turner might give the Pistons more bang for their buck, as he will likely be cheaper than BI in free agency and arguably fills a bigger need as rim protector who shoots nearly 40 percent from 3-point range.
I think we’ve seen enough from Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart to warrant a longer look, as Duren has flashed the kind of defensive intensity the Pistons need from him at times, though it is still not often enough and Beef Stew has proven himself to be a solid backup.
Duren is extension eligible this summer, so if the Pistons decide he’s not the guy, Turner would be a nice option as he fits the timeline and provides skills that none of their current centers have, namely the ability to block upwards of two shots per game while knocking down 3-point shots.
It’s hard to see any scenario where the Pistons carry Duren, Stewart and Turner, so Myles will only be an option if Detroit trades one of their centers.
Trade target: Lauri Markkanen
He’d be perfect for what Detroit is building as a four who can shoot and block shots.
He’s also locked up for the long term and plays for a team run by Danny Ainge, so buyer beware.
I am putting his name out there just because we are going to hear it this summer, but if Markkanen is made available there will be no shortage of teams and he would cost a ton.
I’d put this very low on the possibility scale, but he’ll be a hot name this summer when he is eligible to be traded.
Trade target: Kristaps Porzingis
Hmmmm.
I said, hmmmmm.
The Celtics have shown they don’t really need Porzingis and he could be the one jettisoned if the new ownership group (if they find one) doesn’t feel like paying a gargantuan tax bill in the first season they take over the team.
It could be Porzingis, it could be Jrue Holiday, but you do get the feeling Boston may have to break this group up at some point, as they’ll be paying a combined $108 million for Tatum and Brown next season.
Porzingis only has one more year on his deal after this one at $30 million, a relative bargain. However, he has only played 14 games this season, a reoccurring issue for a guy who does get hurt a lot.
He’s somehow only 29 years old, but we all know the risks with Porzingis when it comes to injuries. A healthy Zinger would be fun on this team for a few seasons and is a guy the Pistons could explore if the Celtics make him available.