The Detroit Pistons were understandably quiet at the trade deadline. They looked like the best team in the Eastern Conference all season, and with all of their rivals standing pat outside of the Cleveland Cavaliers, they had very little reason to make significant changes.
Other than moving on from Jaden Ivey, who was likely gone in the offseason anyway, for Kevin Huerter, the Pistons kept their powder dry.
This doesn't mean, however, that the Pistons' core will be in Detroit for the long term. The trade deadline inactivity should give little comfort to some players, most notably Caris LeVert.
Caris LeVert's Detroit Future Is Still in Question
LeVert was considered a trade candidate ahead of the trade deadline. Not only do the Pistons not desperately need his skill set, but his $14.1 million salary for this season also makes him a perfect trade chip. Detroit could have easily acquired a difference-maker by attaching draft capital to LeVert's mid-sized contract. Instead, GM Trajan Langdon and the front office wanted to see it all the way through with the roster.
In the offseason, LeVert will likely emerge as a trade candidate once again. He will be on an expiring contract with a $14.8 million salary at that point, making him an even more attractive trade asset.
LeVert hasn't shot the ball well this season, and his efficiency leaves plenty to be desired at 53.6% True Shooting. He has taken a step back in terms of his offensive role, averaging the second-lowest usage rate of his career at 18.1%, and a career-high in turnover rate at 15.9%.
However, he has given the Pistons solid two-way play. LeVert can create shots for himself and others, and hold his own defensively, guarding multiple positions. He is obviously a capable veteran and a rotation-caliber player, but he is just not worth the contract he is on.
Plus, the Pistons don't need another on-ball player with an iffy jump shot. With Ron Holland and Ausar Thompson as part of the rotation, the Pistons could do without non-shooting perimeter players. LeVert is not a non-shooter, but he is not a real threat, either.
If new addition Huerter goes back to his old self and starts hitting shots, LeVert can be usurped in the rotation. A versatile and accurate shooter who can play off the ball is more valuable for this Pistons team than someone like LeVert.
LeVert is playing a career-low 19.8 minutes per game. This number could further decline if Huerter proves his worth. At that point, it will be hard to justify LeVert's place on the books and in the rotation, leading to his inevitable offseason exit.