The trade deadline is just two weeks away, and the NBA's worst team, the Detroit Pistons, are deeply involved in negotiations.
Back in December, owner Tom Gores said he expected changes to happen sooner rather than later. Since those comments, Detroit has made trades, but nothing that changed the trajectory of the franchise. My feeling is that the Pistons will overcome this season's disaster and make big changes this summer. Detroit has potentially $60 million in cap space to play with.
It appears the Pistons will make at least one more trade between now and the February 8 deadline. Will it be big or small? Only time will tell, but Detroit may have both options.
As the deadline approaches, here's what I've been hearing about Detroit in recent weeks.
• The Pistons view Cade Cunningham, Orser Thompson, Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren as quality players going forward. According to league sources, Detroit has no immediate interest in trading any of those four players.
• A few weeks ago, league sources said the Atlanta Hawks began trade talks with the Pistons centering on Dejounte Murray. The Athletic. The Hawks were interested in Thompson/Ivey and other valuable players. Detroit was not interested, league officials said.
• Similarly, the Chicago Bulls and Pistons have had conversations involving Zach LaVine, league sources said. Chicago appears to be pegged on a package involving Bojan Bogdanovic and LaVine, one of Detroit's top prospects and his big contract. Once again, the Pistons have no interest in parting with Cunningham, Ivey, Duren or Thompson. It's possible that Detroit would consider adding LaVine if the Bulls' asking price drops. However, these are discussions we have had and will continue to have internally.
• Flint native Monte Morris made his season debut Wednesday night after missing the first 43 games with two injuries. League sources say rival teams like Morris and have expressed interest, but understandably want to see the veteran guard play before the deadline. Detroit also wants to see what Morris has to offer upon his return from injury. It's not a given that the Pistons would move Morris, and I feel like Morris, when healthy, addresses some issues in Detroit's backcourt.
• Finally, I spoke with league officials who said Detroit may be more willing to let go of veterans Bogdanovic and Alec Burks than they were a year ago, but the Pistons are willing to let go of both players. It is said that the company has not yet obtained the required amount. Bogdanovic has a team option for next season, and Burks will be an unrestricted free agent. Detroit appears to be inclined to wait until the summer to make a decision, when they really value Bogdanovic unless a trade for a first-round draft pick and a good player comes to fruition. As for Burks, the Pistons believe they have a chance to retain the bucket-catching veteran this summer. But I have a feeling that with at least two very good second-round picks available, Detroit would consider making a move at the deadline.
From both my information and my gut feeling, this likely won't be a flashy deadline for Detroit. But nothing surprises me, as the team has the worst record in the NBA (5-39) and has good players available on undesirable contracts.
Related books
Trade Commission: Latest information on who's on the market
(Top photo of Dejounte Murray handling the ball against Orthor Thompson: Chris Schwegler / NBAE via Getty Images)
