With the Feb. 5 trade deadline right around the corner, it's rather clear that the Detroit Pistons will not be making a big splash. The front office seems understandably content with the core and doesn't want to mess with the chemistry that has served the team well so far. While this takes them out of running for some of the highest-profile players on the market, the Pistons can still make low-cost, under-the-radar moves that get them closer to title contention.
The Pistons have a ton of future assets, including intriguing young players and draft picks. They have full control of all of their own first-round picks, as well as extra second-round selections. Detroit will likely not trade multiple first-round picks this trade season, but a combination of draft capital and matching salary in the form of Jaden Ivey or some of the younger players on the outside of the rotation, like Marcus Sasser and Bobi Klintman, could still net them a difference-maker. Let's explore some of these options.
1. Coby White
The Chicago Bulls guard will become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, and they may be willing to receive assets in return rather than risking losing him for nothing. The Bulls have a ton of depth in the backcourt, making White expendable.
Detroit would have to re-sign him in the offseason, but he is a better long-term fit for this team than Ivey. White can shoot the ball, has off-ball ability, and provides spacing. At age 25, he still fits the Pistons' timeline. If Detroit has a good idea for what it would take to re-sign him in the summer, trading a first-round pick for him now could help elevate the Pistons' offense for the final stretch of the season and the playoffs.
2. Gary Trent Jr.
Trent has a right to veto trades, but one has to assume that he would be more than willing to waive it to join a title contender like the Pistons. The veteran shooting guard is the closest thing to Malik Beasley, who the Pistons haven't been able to replace. A versatile and accurate 3-point shooter, Trent can also hold his own defensively, making him a steal at $3.7 million per year.
Detroit would only have to trade a couple of second-round picks to acquire Trent as long as they create a roster spot. He would immediately become the second-best shooter on the team after Duncan Robinson, making him a worthy, low-cost swing.
3. Sam Hauser
Talking about shooting, it's a natural transition to one of the best shooters in the league. After a slow start to the season, Sam Hauser is once again up to over 40 percent from downtown for the Celtics. He does very little on the court except shoot 3s, but that is a premium skill set, especially coming from a 6'8" forward who can get his shot over anybody.
The Celtics have exceeded all expectations, so they may not want to trade with one of their rivals in the Eastern Conference. They also have legitimate financial concerns moving forward. If they prioritize future cap flexibility, they may want to move on from Hauser and his four-year, $45 million contract. Detroit should be willing to give up a first-round pick for this major shooting upgrade, but this one seems slightly less plausible than the other names on this list.
4. Collin Sexton
Sexton is slightly overpaid at $18.9 million this season, but his contract expires over the summer. The Pistons don't have to commit to him long-term. They can simply acquire him for a few second-round picks and a matching salary, and evaluate him in their system. If it works out, great, they can re-sign him. Otherwise, they can let him sign elsewhere without losing much.
The 27-year-old combo guard is a defensive liability, but he is a very good offensive player. He is in the midst of his most efficient season with 62.1 percent True Shooting despite maintaining an impressive 25.8% usage rate. He is a career 38.7% three-point shooter and can score in a variety of ways, making him a fascinating option for the Pistons' struggling offense.