Ranking 4 Pistons trade deadline targets from no-brainer to run screaming

Nov 10, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) defends against Tobias Harris
Nov 10, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) defends against Tobias Harris | David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
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We are just two days away from the NBA trade deadline and all signs are pointing to it being a quiet one for the Detroit Pistons.

NBA trade rumors involving big names have come and gone, as Detroit doesn't have the trade assets to make a big move without giving up one of their prized blue chippers, which probably isn't worth it for any of the names we've seen circulating.

There also just aren't that many sellers.

The play-in tournament has drastically changed how franchises approach the deadline, as there are currently 23 teams within 1.5 games of making the tournament and getting a chance at the playoffs, which has the potential to be a big revenue boost even if it is just one game.

But Troy Weaver will feel compelled to do something after Tom Gores announced that "Change is coming," as I don't think the owner was referring to Mike Muscala and Danilo Gallnari, though the two have helped.

Here are four possible trade targets for the Pistons, ranked from no-brainer to run the hell away.

Detroit Pistons' trade targets

No-brainer: Trading Alec Burks for a first-round pick

It's not likely a team is going to offer a first-round pick for Burks, but even if the Pistons can get an intriguing project, they might have to consider it.

I get it, Burks can help them win a few more games and avoid being the worst team in history. Great.

But he's also on an expiring deal and the Pistons have an emerging player in Marcus Sasser who can also get buckets in bunches off the bench and is under team control for several more seasons.

Burks could walk for nothing at the end of the season, so the Pistons may as well recoup something for him. If they can snag any first-round pick (I'm looking at you Knicks) or a young, two-way forward, Burks should probably be dealt at the trade deadline.

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