1 Pistons trade target from every team in the NBA: Salary dumps, picks and stars

The Detroit Pistons may not make a blockbuster trade this season but they are almost certain to be involved in the NBA trade deadline in some way. 

They are currently the only team in the NBA with cap space, which other teams may target to use in bigger trades, with the Pistons potentially reaping some draft assets in the process. 

Detroit also has two veterans on expiring deals in Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. who will almost certainly draw attention from contenders, as they are both playing well. 

The Pistons could also choose to add talent if they are contending for a play-in spot, though it’s more likely they’d go for the low-cost variety than a big name, someone on an expiring deal who didn’t cost a ton of draft assets that they don’t have. 

With that in mind, I’ve looked at a potential trade target from every team in the NBA. Shoutout to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, who put together a list that I pulled from. 

Atlanta Hawks 

-Larry Nance Jr. 

I wrote more about Larry Nance Jr. here, but he’s a useful veteran, good locker room guy and is on an expiring deal. If the Pistons wanted more big-man depth, he’d be a low-cost option. 

Boston Celtics 

-Jaden Springer 

Former first-round pick who doesn’t play, a 3-and-D type if the Pistons wanted to take a cheap flyer. The Pistons could probably get him for nothing. 

-Kristaps Porzingis 

Are the Celtics going to re-sign him? Their payroll is already massive and they don’t really need Porzingis. He only has one more year left on his deal after this one and the Celtics could cut some payroll and get a player who can help them. Isaiah Stewart anyone? 

Brooklyn Nets 

-Cam Johnson 

He’s having his best shooting year but is hurt, which kind of sums him up. The Nets are going to have a fire sale eventually and his deal isn’t bad. 

-Dennis Schroder 

I’ve been lobbying for Schroder for about three years now, so I won’t hold my breath. Would be a great impact addition if the Pistons wanted to make a real run at the playoffs this season and he’s on an expiring deal. 

Charlotte Hornets 

-Nick Richards 

Backup big who blocks a ton of shots and is dirt cheap. Not sure what the Pistons would have to send them but he’d be an ideal backup big man whose $5 million salary next season is only partially guaranteed. 

Chicago Bulls 

-Lonzo Ball 

I’ve written about this enough, but of the three Bulls’ trade targets, I’d take Ball. He’s on an expiring deal and would provide exactly what the Pistons need as a wing creator who can defend and shoot. He’s also a guy I would try to lock into a minimum deal if he is healthy at the end of the season, though I am sure the Lakers are already gauging that option and he probably won't be anyway.

Cleveland Cavaliers 

-Salary dump 

The Cavs need to dump a small amount of salary to get out of the luxury tax, Pistons could help them for a price. 

Dallas Mavericks 

-Draft picks 

If the Pistons decide to move Malik Beasley at the deadline, Dallas would be a possible landing spot. The Mavs are another team near the luxury tax line, so could send the Pistons a salary like Maxi Kleber if they wanted to attach a pick or two. 

Denver Nuggets 

-Zeke Nnaji 

He hasn’t played much but has shown flashes and he’s on 4-year deal that just kicked in this season. He only makes $8 million a year and might be worth a flyer if they want to dump his salary. 

Golden State 

-Salary dump 

The Warriors are a prime candidate to try and put together their assets to make a big move, and the Pistons may be able to land some of the run off using their cap space. Do you need a spot for Moses Moody? 

Houston Rockets 

-Tari Eason 

This is probably a dream but Houston is going to have to choose which young players to keep at some point. Right now, Eason looks like the keeper and Jabari Smith Jr. the trade bait. Houston has made it clear they want to land a superstar, and the Pistons could try to be involved as a third team. 

Indiana Pacers 

-Jarace Walker 

It seems more likely they’ll try to dump Obi Toppin from their surplus of power forwards. Walker is a bit like Beef Stew but can do more on the perimeter offensively. 

Los Angeles Clippers 

-Salary dump 

The Clippers are hanging in there without their best player, but it will be difficult for them to add talent without moving the expiring deals of PJ Tucker and maybe Bones Hyland. I hope that taking on Tucker for a 2nd-round pick in 2050 is not the reason Trajan Langdon kept cap space and a roster spot. 

Los Angeles Lakers 

-The old dumperoo 

The Lakers will probably look to make a win-now trade at some point and have a bunch of salaries to throw in along with a couple of picks. Could the Pistons get a pick for greasing the wheels of a bigger trade? 

Memphis Grizzlies 

-Jake LaRavia 

The Grizzlies didn’t pick up his option for next season and given their salary situation, it’s unlikely they bring him back. 

LaRavia is having a good season, shooting over 40 percent from long range and over 51 percent from the floor as a 6-foot-8 forward. He’s also boosted his rebounding numbers and is up to nearly four assists per game. He can shoot and create from the perimeter as a big forward, which is something the Pistons could use. 

I’d kick the tires on LaRavia. 

Miami Heat 

-Part of the Jimmy Butler trade 

Are the Heat finally going to tap out on this group? If so, moving Jimmy Butler would be the priority and while the Pistons aren’t getting Butler, they could use their cap space to be part of the trade and potentially land an asset in the process. 

Milwaukee Bucks 

-Bobby Portis 

Will the Bucks try to make an impact move to improve their chances at winning another title with Giannis? It’s hard to see how the Pistons could help them in that regard, except for again, with their cap space and ability to take on a contract that another team can’t absorb. 

Minnesota Timberwolves 

-Donte DiVincenzo 

That honeymoon didn’t last long. DiVincenzo is already being mentioned in trade rumors after being traded from the Knicks just last offseason, mostly because he hasn’t played well since moving to Minnesota. He’s a possible buy-low option if they don’t think things are working out, though I would bet he comes around at some point and stays put. 

-The Pistons 2025 draft pick 

You want Malik Beasley for a playoff run? Sweet, give us our pick back.  

New Orleans Pelicans 

-Brandon Ingram 

Not talking about this one anymore except to say only if he will sign for far less than a max, which he won’t so let’s move on. Ask Trajan Langdon what life is like with Brandon Ingram as your highest paid player. 

New York Knicks 

-Salary dump 

The Knicks may try to dump the salaries of Mitchell Robinson and/or Precious Achiuwa in exchange for an upgrade. 

Oklahoma City Thunder 

-Cason Wallace 

They have too many guards and he’s pretty good though his shooting numbers are down. Would be a nice backup option as a 3-and-D guy.

Orlando Magic 

-Cole Anthony  

Eh, not really interested. Gary Harris? I don’t know, can’t see the Magic doing much. 

Philadelphia 76ers 

-KJ Martin 

Philly doesn’t have much to trade if they want to make an upgrade assuming they get back into the mix at some point and don’t spend the season rubbing elbows with the Wizards. Martin plus picks is their best offer, so not much for the Pistons here. Martin has shot well this season in a limited role. 

Phoenix Suns 

-Josh Okogie 

They signed this man just to dump his salary at some point, but have little to offer the Pistons. 

Portland Trail Blazers 

-Robert Williams 

I wrote about this possibility. He’d be a nice add, but he’s always hurt and I think Langdon is trying to avoid that profile. 

Sacramento Kings 

-Devin Carter 

He has yet to play for the Kings, but I loved this guy coming out of college.  A 3-and-D point guard with a non-stop motor? Yes please. The Kings are just as likely to blow up their roster if they continue to be mediocre, but I’d be sniffing around to see if Carter is available. 

San Antonio Spurs 

-The Chris Paul trade fallout...or, Chris Paul!

The Spurs were smart to sign a veteran point guard to help teach their team how to win and they are already ahead of schedule in that regard. I hate to say it, but the Spurs look primed to dominate the next decade, as they have the best young player and a ton of draft assets. Ugh. 

The Pistons aren’t getting Paul, who will be shipped to contender if he is traded, but could be involved as a third team with their cap space. Actually, why not get Chris Paul?! What an addition for a run at the play-in and the Pistons could easily absorb his expiring deal. I’ve talked myself into it! 

Toronto Raptors 

I have nothing. Not buying high on Jakob Poeltl, though I do like him. 

Utah Jazz 

-John Collins 

On the Mount Rushmore of trade targets, you will find John Collins, as his name hasn’t left the rumor mill in years. He’s playing really well this season and his contract doesn’t look so bad. He can block shots and shoot 3’s and the Pistons need both. 

Send them THJ’s expiring and a second-round pick and let’s do this! 

Washington Wizards 

-Malcolm Brogdon 

I wrote about Brogdon here. He’d be a great fit, is on an expiring deal and always gets hurt.