NBA rumors: Possible star trade target for the Detroit Pistons

The pros and cons of Brandon Ingram for the Detroit Pistons

Pro 

He’s 26, in his prime and has already been in the league for eight years, so he can provide experience but still fits the timeline. If the Pistons could re-sign him, they’d been getting most of his prime years at a position of need. 

Cons 

That’s a big “IF.” Ingram only has one year left on his deal and could decide he doesn’t want to stay in Detroit. Even though the Pistons would have the inside track to his free agency, he could test the market and flee to greener pastures.  Then they just gave up their best asset this trade deadline for nothing.

Pros 

Given that there is only one year left on his contract, the trade price could be lower, as any team trading for him knows he can leave. That should allow the Pistons to get in the mix without adding one of their core guys. Detroit doesn’t need more youth, they need guys who can play, so if they can get one giving up only draft assets (one of which is in this uninspiring draft), they should jump on it. 

It’s an interesting debate, as Ingram does come with risks, but the Detroit Pistons are not going to get anywhere near a star player without taking some. It may be a dream anyway, as Detroit is light on trade assets and may not even have the juice to make this kind of deal.