The Detroit Pistons are the best story in the NBA. They have firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference, but still have a way to go before they can consider themselves true title contenders.
The best part of the Pistons' hot start is the fact that opportunities are endless for them. Their success is largely due to their young stars, including Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, as well as Isaiah Stewart, Daniss Jenkins, and Ausar Thompson. They also have a ton of draft capital and matching salaries tied to veterans, making them the perfect candidate for a win-now trade.
December 15 is an important date that will open up trade opportunities for the Pistons and the rest of the league. Free agents who signed new deals in the offseason will be eligible to be traded, including Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert, and Javonte Green.
Caris LeVert Is the Most Likely Piston to Be Traded
Regardless of who the Pistons want to target in the trade market, LeVert or Robinson almost certainly has to be included in the deal. Besides Cunningham, there are only four players who make above the mid-level exception on the roster: Tobias Harris, Isaiah Stewart, LeVert, and Robinson. To match salaries in any trade for a high-salary player, at least one, probably two, of these players will need to be included.
LeVert is likely the odd man out in that group. Robinson is the only elite three-point shooter on the team, Stewart is one of the best defensive big men in the league, and Harris is the only true power forward. LeVert, on the other hand, is more expendable.
The 31-year-old signed a two-year deal with the Pistons in the offseason and has been playing well off the bench as a shot creator and playmaker. Yet, his role has been smaller than expected, averaging 19.8 minutes per game so far. He is scoring 9.4 points per game on an efficient 60.4% True Shooting, but he hasn't turned himself into an irreplaceable player for the team.
In fact, Daniss Jenkins' emergence and Jaden Ivey's impending return make LeVert a more attractive trade target. His $14.1 million salary could either net the Pistons a solid rotation player on its own, or could be combined with another high salary (say, Harris) and draft picks to bring back a star on a max contract.
The Pistons could go in a multitude of directions, and the fans should be thrilled even if they just stood pat at the trade deadline. If they decide to go for it, however, it's safe to assume that LeVert is the most likely player to be moved.