It’s been a while since the vibes have been this good, this close to the trade deadline. The Detroit Pistons are the NBA’s surprise team, with an 21-21 overall record just past the midway point of the season. They are on pace to nearly triple last season’s win total — 14 — which was the fewest […]
It’s been a while since the vibes have been this good, this close to the trade deadline. The Detroit Pistons are the NBA’s surprise team, with an 21-21 overall record just past the midway point of the season. They are on pace to nearly triple last season’s win total — 14 — which was the fewest in franchise history, and win more than 40 games for the first time since 2018-19.
A month ago, they had incentive to see what they could get for their veterans on expiring contracts, Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr. Now? No one could blame them if they decided to hang onto them and keep the positive energy going. This is the first deadline in ages where the veterans on the team are both happy, and contributing to winning.
But as they’ve stacked wins, it’s led to some teams questioning if they will try a different approach. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that the Pistons have “evolved” their thinking and will be more judicious with their space now that they’re in the playoff hunt. They still owe a first-round pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves thanks to their trade for Isaiah Stewart in 2020, and the new collective bargaining agreement restricts teams above the second tax apron from taking on additional salary in trades. As teams maneuver for playoff position, they will need a dumping ground to clear salary.
Pistons have flexibility to choose destiny at deadline
A segment of fans will certainly root for the Pistons to move their timeline up and capitalize on their current stretch. More than likely, it will take more than a month of good basketball to convince the front office to adjust its timeline, and go all-in on a push now.
SUPPORTING CADE:Detroit Pistons vouch for Cade Cunningham’s All-Star candidacy: ‘He’s been spectacular’The appetite for trading wins for assets, after last year’s disaster, is low. The Pistons could roll their cap flexibility into the summer, with the benefit of an entire season of evaluation, and enter next season with momentum. They’re winning, and they don’t need to rush. The Pistons don’t just lead the league in available cap space — they’re the only team with available cap space. Rough million, in fact. They also have their million room exception, giving them two ways to take on unwanted salary in exchange for assets, should they go that route.
The Pistons may be the only team in the Eastern Conference who aren’t feeling any heat. The teams ahead of them in the standings are fully-committed to making playoff runs, and entered the season with playoff expectations. The teams behind them are either tanking, or are the Philadelphia 76ers or Chicago Bulls and underperforming with an expensive roster. Their recent success, along with their cap flexibility, positions them as one of the league’s most intriguing teams with the deadline quickly approaching on Feb. 6. They could conceivably go multiple routes — but in the wake of their recent success, there’s also an argument that their best option may be to not mess with it.
Why the Pistons may play things safe
Meanwhile, the Pistons are playing with house money, in the rare position of exceeding expectations with a young, inexpensive roster. Regardless of the record, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has maintained that this season is about building. Three weeks of winning basketball games isn’t enough to be fully sold that this team has turned the corner.
SPORTS SCENE:Detroit sports are having a moment, from Dan Campbell to Cade Cunningham[ MUST LISTEN: Make“The Pistons Pulse” your go-to Detroit Pistons podcast, available anywhere you listen to podcasts (Apple,Spotify) or watch live/on demand onYouTube. ]
No one could’ve predicted such a turnaround. It began on Dec. 21, when they kicked off a stretch of 10 wins in 12 games by defeating the Phoenix Suns on the road. In the span of three weeks, the Pistons went from six games under .500 to two games above, reshaping their season-long outlook and sparking real conversations about the potential of a postseason run. The Pistons could close their draft pick deficit by operating as a third team in a trade. They’re million under the luxury tax, giving them significant room to maneuver while preserving future flexibility. There are several avenues the Pistons will evaluate over the next few weeks. But don’t be surprised if the NBA’s most-intriguing team decides to play things safe. Contact Omari Sankofa II at osankofa@freepress.com. Follow him on X @omarisankofa.
