It’s unlikely that we see the Detroit Pistons make a blockbuster move to add a star this season, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be part of one.
With expiring contracts, an open roster spot and cap space, the Pistons are in a prime position to be a part of a big trade even if the biggest name goes elsewhere.
There could be a big name on the move according a recent report from ESPN’s Shams Charania (subscription), who wrote today that the Heat are actively listening to offers for Jimmy Butler.
This presents a big opportunity for the Pistons.
Jimmy Butler rumors and the Detroit Pistons
The Pistons aren’t going to be trading for Jimmy Butler, as he doesn’t fit their timeline and has made it clear he wants to go to a team that is ready to compete now if he is traded from the Heat.
Miami is currently 12-10, the 5th seed in the lousy Eastern Conference, so they could decide to just keep Butler and see what happens.
But he’s basically on an expiring contract given that he only has a player option for next season that he will likely decline in search of one last mega deal.
Charania mentioned Houston and Dallas as possible landing spots given that Butler is from Texas and also named the Golden State Warriors as a possibility.
Houston has plenty of ammo to make the trade, but the other two are up against salary problems that would make it challenging without a third team being involved.
That team could very well be the Pistons, who could use their cap space and expiring contracts to help make the salaries work, possibly taking on a deal in exchange for draft assets and/or a young player in the process.
What that might look like depends on which team is eventually involved and how serious they are about Butler, who is 35 years old and due over $50 million next season if he picks up his option.
Golden State might make the most sense given their rapidly closing window of opportunity to win a title, but if the Heat are looking to add young players, then Houston would be the more logical destination.
This is one of reasons Trajan Langdon kept his flexibility going into this season rather than max out his roster and payroll, as the Pistons are now in prime position to reap benefits from any big trade that requires a third team to make it work.