Detroit Pistons: 3 reasons to make a trade approaching the deadline

The Detroit Pistons are struggling in 2018-19, but making a move before the 2019 NBA trade deadline could improve their immediate and long-term fortunes.

It’s not over yet for the Detroit Pistons.

A lot of the excitement and optimism surrounding the team at the beginning of the 2018-19 season has morphed into apathy and pessimism for a fanbase that has become too familiar with mediocrity, but there is still time for the Pistons to turn things around.

Detroit fell to 18-24 after Monday’s loss to the Utah Jazz, putting them in 10th place in the Eastern Conference standings. The losses have piled up in bunches recently, but the Pistons are still only a couple of games out of the eighth and final playoff seed in the East.

“One player away” is a common sports cliche that could accurately describe this team. With the right move (or two) prior to the Feb. 7 trade deadline, the Pistons can work their way back into the playoffs for only the second time since 2008. They can also set themselves up for success in the future with some creative contract maneuvering.

Here are three reasons why the Pistons need to be active ahead of the trade deadline.