Detroit Pistons trade rumors: Avery Bradley available in trade

The Detroit Pistons could make a bold move ahead of the trade deadline, including dealing away Avery Bradley according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Losers of eight in a row, more than just this Detroit Pistons‘ season is at a crossroads. Now in the fourth year of the Stan Van Gundy regime, the Pistons are still languishing around the playoff cut line with little to point to for confidence that much will change in the coming years.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Pistons have been one of the most aggressive teams on the trade market in pursuit of improving themselves. Currently in the ninth spot in the East, the Pistons aren’t out of striking distance of a playoff berth.

Some things will have to change, however, if they are to extend into the postseason. Health and the return of Reggie Jackson will be one big key, but some personnel changes could be in order. In fact, there could be some big changes as Wojnarowksi reports that the Pistons have made Avery Bradley available in trade talks.

Teams are generally looking to add talent around existing players when they make a move at the deadline but Bradley presents an interesting case. He’s certain a core player of this Pistons squad but his availability draws into question his long-term standing in Detroit after being added in a trade with the Boston Celtics in the offseason.

The Pistons moved to acquired Bradley as a replacement (and upgrade) for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, but Bradley is only signed through this season. It will take a significant financial commitment to retain Bradley, but is it worth the cost if the team’s long-term outlook remains mediocre at best?

Those are the kind of difficult questions Stan Van Gundy is paid to answer. Offloading Bradley in a deal could net a return that keeps the Pistons in the playoff hunt for this season while improving the outlook for future years. Wojnarowski describes the Pistons’ asking price for Bradley as “significant” suggesting they won’t be in total sell mode at the February 8 trade deadline.

Next: 3 Pistons trade proposals

As trade deadline rumors start to heat up it is important to note that Van Gundy has said in the past that they will talk to everyone about everything and most of what gets discussed never turns into anything. History also tells us that deals the Pistons have made have seemingly come out of nowhere rather than being tied to previously reported interest or discussions between teams.