The Detroit Pistons are in a unique situation as we close in on the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Detroit has little in the way of top-dollar tradeable contracts, but clearly wants to make a move as they surprisingly sit atop the Eastern Conference and continue to play a brand of basketball that has Detroit fans comparing this roster to great rosters of the past. With this in mind, the Pistons are going to have little choice but to place veteran forward Tobias Harris on the trade market. It is important to note that this isn't due to performance, but simply the way the salary cap is constructed.
If the Pistons are going to make a blockbuster move, it is going to require the $26 million cap hit of Harris, included. The highest salary currently rostered is Cade Cunningham, who is clearly untouchable as the leader of the Eastern Conference's current top seed. After Harris, you've got Duncan Robinson and Isaiah Stewart, who both fill roles that are going to be difficult to replace and should remain with the team.
Harris is having a solid season, shooting 45 percent from the field and offering veteran leadership to a young roster. While losing this aspect of his impact will be difficult, it is a necessity for the Pistons to have a chance to land the type of names they will be looking at.
Detroit Has No Choice but to Put Harris on Trade Market Due to Salary Ramifications
Looking at the potential fits on the trade market, none make more sense than the Brooklyn Nets Michael Porter Jr. For this deal to work, you need to include the salary of Harris, who would be facing incredibly reduced minutes based on the position of Porter. No matter who you believe to be Detroit's best target, you will keep coming back to the fact that to make any move of note, the Pistons need to part ways with Harris.
As difficult as this might be for fans who value the history of the forward with the franchise, it is the reality of chasing greatness. This Detroit roster clearly has a chance to make a run deep into the Eastern Conference playoffs and has the defensive intensity to challenge any of the behemoths that would emerge out of the Western Conference.
This gives the front offense a sense of urgency and lessens the blow of potentially parting ways with Harris. The forward is averaging 13.4 points and 4.6 rebounds, production that can be replaced. The only concern with the move is whether or not it will damage the chemistry of a young roster that relies on the leadership of the experienced veteran.
Regardless of the answer, the potential ceiling of this group demands that you explore every possible avenue of improvement. This clearly means putting Harris on the trade market and finding out how parting ways with the veteran might make your team better.