Just like everyone predicted, it's late January, and the Detroit Pistons are still at the top of the Eastern Conference. It's been over half a season now, so it's safe to say that this strong start to the campaign wasn't a fluke, making it interesting to see if the Pistons can carry their momentum down the stretch.
That being said, even the best things can be better. With that in mind, and with the Feb. 5 trade deadline looming, this team should be very active in talks to improve the roster, even if it means replacing current veterans. That might be bad news for Tobias Harris.
Pistons Should Trade Tobias Harris for Jonathan Kuminga
Harris is on an expiring deal, making his future with the Pistons up in the air. He's averaging a respectable 13.3 points and 4.4 rebounds per game on 45.7% shooting, so it's not like he's playing poorly. However, this team could be better off with Jonathan Kuminga, who's 10 years younger at 23 years old and is more than likely to be moved since he has no intention of staying with the Golden State Warriors.
To get him, the Pistons could package Harris with Jaden Ivey's expiring contract. In return, they'd potentially get a combination of Kuminga, Buddy Hield, and Moses Moody. The Pistons could move Moody in a separate trade or waive someone else after making this move.
Ivey hasn't lived up to the hype since he returned from injury. He's averaging 8.4 points and 1.6 assists per game, and with the Pistons still not giving him a contract extension, he might not be part of this team's future. The Warriors have been hesitant to give up first-round picks in any trade, and they're clearly trying to stack young assets for the post-Stephen Curry era, so adding a young point guard to the mix would be enough to entice them.
Granted, Kuminga's numbers aren't much better than Harris'. He's averaging 12.1 points and 4.4 boards a night on 45.4% shooting. That being said, he's a former lottery pick, a much better athlete, and a guy boasting extensive playoff experience with impressive 3-and-D potential when given enough playing time.
The Pistons don't need Kuminga to be their savior. They're already set for the future with Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, Jaden Ivey, and Ron Holland. But if he can finally flourish away from Steve Kerr's doghouse, this trade could be franchise-changing for the Pistons.
Kuminga's still under contract for another year, but they could essentially move on from him if things don't work out. Adding a 23-year-old former top-10 selection at a discount without having to give up draft capital is a no-brainer move for the Pistons, and they may not face many — if any — competition to acquire his services.