Ranking the Detroit Pistons' trade assets before the deadline
All signs point to the NBA trade deadline being a busy one for the Detroit Pistons, but their approach will be anyone's guess.
They've been connected to several big names, but all are problematic for one reason or another, so Troy Weaver might have to get creative if he wants to land a big name.
It seems more likely that the Pistons will be sellers, make some moves along the fringes and try to get future assets in the form of draft compensation and players who are better fits around their young core.
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Here's a ranking of the most likely Pistons to be traded, from the scraps to the guys who will have multiple suitors.
Ranking the Detroit Pistons' trade assets: The scraps
#8: Joe Harris
Harris has been injured and even upon his return was mostly unable to crack the rotation of the worst team in the league. He's lost a step everywhere and has a hard time getting space for his shot, which negates the only strength he has at this point in his career. It's hard to see any team wanting him unless the contract is needed to make a trade work or they are trying to unload a bad deal with multiple years left on it. Is he worth even one second-round pick? Probably not.
#7: James Wiseman
Someone will take a chance on Wiseman's upside, but unlike the Pistons, wouldn't have to give up much for the opportunity. Given that he has an expiring contract, he might be worth a flyer for some team, especially now that the Pistons have Mike Muscala, who may eat any minutes Wiseman was getting. I could see the Pistons hanging onto him and re-signing Wiseman to a minimum deal to be the third center, as he's not going to net much on the trade market, even as an expiring contract with upside.
#6: Killian Hayes
Pretty much all of the same things could be said about Killian, though he could potentially help a team that was desperate for a point guard who can facilitate even if he can't shoot. If Killian had maintained his form from early in the season, the Pistons might have been able to flip him for a couple of second-round picks, but right now he's just an expiring contract.