The Detroit Pistons didn't make the splashy moves some fans were hoping for. Instead, they opted to change the roster on the margins, adding more shooting in the process.
For a team that won 60 games last season, this may be understandable. But there is still a chance that the front office will regret not being more aggressive this summer.
Fortunately for them, they will get a chance to correct this potential mistake during the season. The Pistons will have plenty of assets and all of their draft picks going forward to trade until the deadline. For the right opportunity, or in the case of a disappointing start to the season, GM Trajan Langdon will be able to make strong offers thanks to Detroit's asset coffers.
In that scenario, who will be the most likely Pistons to be traded?
Kevin Huerter
The veteran shooting guard isn't eligible to be traded until December 15 because he signed a new deal this summer. After that date, however, Huerter will immediately become the most likely player to be traded.
Detroit made the surprising decision to give Huerter a three-year, $27 million deal. In the same offseason they brought in Isaiah Joe and retained Duncan Robinson, investing such resources in Huerter made little sense. It's not even obvious that the 28-year-old shooting guard will be in the rotation. If he continues to struggle shooting the ball, the chances are he will not be.
In all likelihood, the Pistons will need to add more offensive firepower to feel good about their chances of contention. This will be made clear during the season when the Pistons' half-court offense is inevitably non-elite. Huerter's $9.5 million salary for this season will be a great way to match salaries and acquire a true difference-maker.
Ron Holland
Holland makes a similar salary to Huerter. The Pistons wanted to hold on to the 21-year-old forward and his $9 million salary. This is more understandable, since Holland still has some untapped potential.
If he doesn't show more of his potential in the first half of the season, however, it will be difficult to justify keeping Holland on the roster. The Pistons can't afford to have another full season of Holland being a total negative on offense. He either has to take big strides as a shooter, finisher, or playmaker. Otherwise, it will be hard to find minutes for a non-shooter like him next to Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren.
At that point, Holland would serve the Pistons better as a trade chip than an on-court contributor.
Duncan Robinson
For all intents and purposes, the Pistons are very happy with Robinson. He played a key role for the team last season, starting in 77 games. As the only elite shooter on the team, he was an integral part of the Pistons' success, shooting 41% from downtown in the regular season and 45.6% in the playoffs.
There is also more to Robinson's game than just shooting. He is just a good offensive player overall.
At the same time, the Pistons may have to upgrade Robinson's spot to become a true championship contender. Robinson is a massive defensive liability. In the postseason, this becomes more of an issue as he consistently gets targeted by opposing teams.
As good as he is offensively, he is not good enough to compensate for his defensive shortcomings, especially when he is going to be making $16 million this season. At age 32, there is also a risk of decline.
Robinson's salary slot is an excellent way to upgrade the team at the trade deadline. The Pistons could attach another player, as well as draft capital, to Robinson and acquire a starter who can be more of a two-way option than Robinson.
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