After a devastating Achilles injury last postseason, Jayson Tatum is allegedly targeting a quick return this season. His potential addition, along with the Celtics' success so far this season, could change Boston's plans at the trade deadline. Rather than trading away assets to save money on luxury tax, the Celtics could look for upgrades in the trade market.
Sam Hauser might be off the trade radar
The Celtics' most tempting piece, at least for the Pistons, was Sam Hauser. He's on an incredibly cheap contract and offers the type of elite shooting that the Pistons are desperately lacking. It would be a great opportunity to improve the team in a key area without breaking the bank for a major trade.
The Pistons have done well so far to resist the temptation of big trade targets. Instead, they've allowed their young team to grow organically and found some diamonds in the rough along the way. There's no need for the Pistons to make a drastic move now when they are first in the East and looking like one of the NBA's best teams overall.
But the Celtics remain a lurking threat and Tatum's status makes them all the more threatening. Even without Tatum, they've maintained a spot in the conference's top 3. Jaylen Brown has emerged as a superstar first option and the team's depth of shooting has carried them to a top offense.
In some ways, the Celtics have opposite roster problems from the Pistons. Whereas the Pistons lack shooting and have an excess of size and defense, the Celtics lack frontcourt depth but have an abundance of elite shooters. A trade could be mutually beneficial to balance both rosters, but the two rivals will be hesitant to do business before a potential playoff clash.
For years, the Celtics have dominated the East and Jayson Tatum himself has been one of the best players in the conference. The Pistons' surprising success in a season without his presence sets up a heavyweight clash between the two historic franchises in the near future.
Based on the Celtics' attitude this season and their play on the court, don't expect them to send out any valuable role players for free. They won't be doing any favors for a fellow East contender. With or without Tatum, the Celtics seem dead set on representing the East once again in the Finals.
The Pistons will instead need to search elsewhere to find a shooting upgrade. High-level shooting is a prized commodity in the NBA these days, and the Pistons likely won't be able to find it for cheap. Hopefully, Detroit can still take steps to solve their biggest team issues without overpaying for a solution.