The Detroit Pistons didn't make the big, splashy move the fans were hoping for this summer. They reportedly found the asking price for certain stars too high. Instead, they decided to keep their powder dry and maintain their future flexibility.
This was understandable, but the Pistons have to continue to be aggressive throughout the season. Whenever the opportunity presents itself, GM Trajan Langdon has to look for ways to upgrade the roster. This means that Detroit should be one of the more active teams from now until the trade deadline. Let's take a look at who the Pistons can move in these potential trade scenarios.
Kevin Huerter
The 27-year-old shooting guard can't be traded until December 15, but he will be the prime trade candidate between then and the deadline. Making $9.5 million next season, his salary, combined with another player and draft capital, could be a great way for the Pistons to acquire a starting-caliber player.
With the arrival of Isaiah Joe and the presence of Duncan Robinson, there is not much use for Huerter. He is an expensive luxury for the Pistons, making him expendable.
It also makes the three-year contract the Pistons signed him to this summer difficult to understand. Sure, the Pistons need more shooting, but it has been years since Huerter shot an above-average clip from downtown. Until he regains his form from earlier in his career, it will be hard for Detroit to justify paying him $9.5 million.
Ron Holland
This will be a make-or-break season for Holland. Entering his third season in the NBA, the 21-year-old forward has to show more on the offensive side of the ball.
The Pistons were hesitant to move on from Holland all offseason. Even when they were clearing cap space, they seemingly never considered trading him. Instead, they decided to move on from Isaiah Stewart, Caris LeVert, and Marcus Sasser.
Given Holland's upside, this was defensible. However, Holland needs to prove the front office right early in the season. He has to be more playable in the halfcourt, whether it's through becoming a better shooter, ballhandler, or scorer. Otherwise, the Pistons can't afford to wait much longer since his trade value will continue to decline with each passing day.
Duncan Robinson
Robinson's $15.9 million salary for 2026-27 is non-guaranteed, so the Pistons could easily move on from him now without having to wait until the trade deadline. Since only $2 million of his salary is guaranteed, the Pistons may find it easier to just let him go rather than guaranteeing his contract and trading him afterwards.
The 32-year-old sharpshooter is a solid trade chip regardless of whether the Pistons guarantee the rest of his salary or not. The acquiring team could clear significant cap space by releasing him.
At this point, the Pistons have little reason to do this. Robinson was very good for Detroit last season and will once again be an important part of their success next season.
There is a chance Robinson will become expendable once the season starts. If Chaz Lanier looks like a rotation-caliber option and Huerter is hitting shots, then Robinson could get marginalized. The Pistons may find a better use for that salary slot, resulting in a trade deadline move involving the veteran shooting guard.
Add us as a preferred source on Google