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

Tough call, depending on the name: Trading for a future free agent

Other rumors have the Pistons getting a head start on free agency by trading for a player who will be one at the end of the season. Names like Tobias Harris, Obi Toppin and Buddy Hield have been floated around, though so far there's been no action.

This could make sense, as it would allow the Pistons to have a better chance to sign one of them by getting the inside track on their free agency.

On the other hand, they'd be giving up assets for a player who could simply walk at the end of the season, which would be a disaster.

If they had assurances from both the player and his agent that he had an interest in staying in Detroit long term, then a move like this could work, as the Pistons can't afford to wait for free agency, where there is a dwindling number of impact names available.