The Detroit Pistons continue to roll after three straight wins to improve to 24-6 for the season. The biggest surprise story in the NBA this season, the Pistons have firmly established themselves as Eastern Conference contenders. To take the next step into becoming true contenders, however, fans are expecting a move ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
Regardless of the size of the trade, the most likely candidate to be moved seems to be Caris LeVert. The veteran shooting guard has been decent off the bench, but has had a smaller-than-expected role this season. When he signed a two-year, $29 million deal in the offseason, many expected him to be the first guy off the bench and play extended minutes as a secondary shot creator.
Instead, LeVert is only playing 20.5 minutes per game and has played over 20 minutes only once in the last five games. Since Jaden Ivey returned from his long injury absence, LeVert has been further marginalized. In ten games in December, LeVert only has a 16.2% usage rate, and is averaging 6.9 points and 2.7 assists per game on 36.4/32.4/66.7 shooting splits. For the season, the 31-year-old has an 18.1% usage rate, the lowest mark of his career since his rookie season.
Caris LeVert May Be the Odd Man Out as Pistons Pursue Trade Upgrades
Considering that Ivey's minutes will only increase over time, there isn't much room for LeVert. He is still a valuable vet as he can guard multiple positions, hit open 3-pointers, and create shots for himself and others. Unfortunately, the Pistons don't really need what he brings to the table.
What the Pistons need is shooting and forward depth. Detroit has an abundance of backcourt players, especially with Daniss Jenkins' unexpected rise, but has a shortage of players who can guard forwards. Tobias Harris is irreplaceable for this reason. Trading LeVert for a forward-sized player who can also space the floor with his shooting would be an ideal scenario for the Pistons.
LeVert makes $14.1 million this season. Combining that with the draft capital the Pistons possess should be able to net them a true difference-maker. Perhaps it's not fair for LeVert to be traded only six months after signing in Detroit, especially since he has been doing everything the team has asked of him. But the Pistons are on the verge of making a deep postseason run, and they need to maximize their title chances by upgrading their roster at the deadline.
As the most expendable player on the roster with some trade value, LeVert may be the odd man out between Christmas and February.