2 Trade deadline moves that would boost Pistons, 2 they must avoid

Trading with the Indiana Pacers: Boost

The Pacers already made their big acquisition when they traded for Pascal Siakam, which created a logjam at forward for them.

They have reportedly made Buddy Hield, Obi Toppin and Jalen Smith available for trade, all players who could help the Pistons. I would also inquire about rookie Jarace Walker, though the Pacers have said he's off limits, so we'll leave him out for now.

The caveat is that they are all free agents after the season (Smith has a player option that he will likely decline), so it would be risky to trade valuable assets, but their pending free agency will also likely lower the price.

All three of these players are guys the Pistons might pursue in free agency anyway, so if they can trade for them at the right price, it would give them the inside track to re-signing them, though nothing is guaranteed.

Hield is one of the best 3-point shooters in NBA history, so he'd be a nice floor spreader and Toppin and Smith are both young power forwards who can shoot.

The two forwards aren't stars, but barring one becoming available, the Pistons should be looking for multiple role players to upgrade the roster depth and quality.