2 big questions for the Pistons and Monte Morris

One of the biggest disappointments of the Detroit Pistons' season so far (other than its utter collapse), is the fact that we've yet to see the whole roster play.

That includes point guard Monte Morris, who hasn't played yet this season and may not return until February.

Morris is not a superstar, but he's a steady veteran hand and the Pistons are short on those. He's also a Michigan native who wants to be in Detroit and would have been a good leader and mentor off the bench as well as a guy who can defend on the ball and shoot.

On paper, Morris something the Pistons need, but there are two big questions hanging over him as the season inches toward January.

Will Monte Morris play for the Detroit Pistons before the trade deadline?

The 2024 NBA trade deadline is in February, right around the time Morris is projected to come back. This is an important date for him and the Pistons, as he is on an expiring contract and they need some amount of time to evaluate his fit.

Ideally, Morris would come back at the optimistic end of his projection of 6-8 weeks and have a few weeks to play with the team before the trade deadline.

If not, will the Pistons bring him back?

Morris could be a possible trade asset at the deadline or at least a $10 million expiring contract that might help grease the deal. But first, he has to prove he is healthy and can still play.

If he does that, would the Detroit Pistons consider bringing him back? Morris made it clear that he was happy to play in Detroit and they only have one point guard signed past this season. If the Pistons need his contract to make a trade, then he is absolutely tradable, but even if they do trade him, he's one of the better veteran options in free agency.

If the Pistons could move him for assets and then re-sign him anyway, that would be ideal, but first Morris has to get healthy and show that he can contribute.