The Detroit Pistons finished the first half of the season with the best record in the Eastern Conference, firmly establishing themselves as a contender. To be considered a true title favorite, however, many believe that the team is one splashy trade away. With the Feb. 5 trade deadline right around the corner, whether the Pistons will be buyers will be one of the most fascinating questions.
Armed with all of their future draft picks and a ton of intriguing young players, the Pistons are seen as a team that can be a suitor for any star on the trade block. Yet, reporting out of Detroit suggests that GM Trajan Langdon is more likely to stand pat as the front office wants to see what this group can do together. Even if the Pistons don't make a blockbuster move, let's explore what we can expect from them before the trade deadline.
1. Jaden Ivey Will Be Traded
Ivey will be a restricted free agent in the offseason, and his future in Detroit is murky. He has yet to increase his role since his return from injury, averaging 17 minutes per game. JB Bickerstaff has been slowly integrating him into the lineup, but he is in no rush to significantly change the rotation that has been winning games all season. The fourth-year player has found himself as the odd man out.
The Pistons will have a difficult time retaining Ivey over the summer. It's safe to assume that the guard won't have much interest in staying in Detroit as a backup. All signs point towards Ivey's time in Detroit coming to an end.
2. Tobias Harris Isn't Going Anywhere
Tobias Harris is the most popular Piston in the trade machine. His $26.6 million expiring salary gets included in any mock trade scenario that has Detroit bringing back a star. In reality, however, Harris plays a key role for this team, and it's difficult to see the front office taking the risk of moving him.
The 33-year-old is the only true power forward on this team. He can space the floor on one end and can defend at a reasonable level on the other. He is also one of the few veterans with significant postseason experience on this team. The coaching staff constantly raves about him, and he will remain an important part of the Pistons going forward.
3. Pistons Will Not Trade a First-Round Pick
Despite having control of all of their draft picks, the Pistons are unlikely to trade any of them. Detroit understandably feels like it can win the East with this core and doesn't want to rush the process by parting with its assets right now.
Making a blockbuster trade is generally easier in the offseason, and the Pistons will have more data about what they need with another postseason run. Expect Detroit to go all-in over the summer rather than in February.
4. Marcus Sasser & Bobi Klintman Will Not Remain Past Trade Deadline
There will still be some minor changes to the roster. Second-year player Bobi Klintman has yet to make an impact and remains out of the rotation. If any team is interested in bringing him in, the Pistons will certainly let him, as opening a roster spot would be beneficial to signing Daniss Jenkins to a standard deal. Otherwise, Klintman will be a release candidate after the trade deadline.
Sasser has had his moments this season, but has fallen out of favor with the emergence of Jenkins and the arrival of Caris LeVert. The third-year point guard should have some suitors on the market, and the Pistons would be wise to trade him since his path to playing time remains rocky for the rest of the season.