Why the Detroit Pistons May Hold Off on Making Deals Until the NBA Offseason
Viewed as a team on the rise heading into the 2016-17 season, the Detroit Pistons have disappointed to some degree thus far as they are currently grouped into a tight bundle together with other Eastern Conference teams trying to secure lower playoff seeds. The disappointing way their season has played out up to this point can partly explain why some of the latest NBA trade rumors have hinted they could be interested in making some big moves.
In a recent article, ESPN's Zach Lowe wrote at length about the team's struggles this year and what could be done to resolve them. Over the course of the article, Lowe also passed along an interesting bit of information from league sources who indicated that the Pistons have "explored the trade market for each of its franchise centerpieces," but that they came away with responses that were not as good as they had apparently hoped for.
The franchise centerpieces being referred to above are point guard Reggie Jackson and center Andre Drummond.
The Pistons reportedly gauging the market for both players is a little surprising, but less so given the way this season has gone.
Still, even if the Pistons may be open to trading Jackson and/or Drummond, it's unlikely that deals for them will be completed ahead of the Feb. 23 deadline.
Unlike many players who get dealt around this time of the year, the aforementioned players are locked into long-term deals, meaning potential deals will significantly affect seasons beyond this one for all teams involved.
Also, as stated earlier, the Pistons are still in the thick of a playoff race, so selling off now could be a bad move for a franchise still trying to re-establish itself.
Lowe even wrote later on that the Pistons may opt to wait until the upcoming draft before making moves, which is understandable, given what's at stake for them.
The Detroit Pistons could shake up the landscape of the league soon, but likely not soon enough that they will be the headliners of this trading season.
More news about other noteworthy NBA trade rumors should be made available soon.
