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

1. The Pistons need a boost

On one hand, the Pistons are a rebuilding franchise that will need its fans to be patient before seeing them become a serious NBA title contender. They have a lot of young talent, multi-year contracts, and a head coach and front office leadership that are navigating through their first season in charge.

On the other hand, Detroit’s window to win with its current foundation isn’t as big as it might look. The team’s best player, Blake Griffin, turns 30 years old in March and has a history of injury problems. Andre Drummond, the No. 2 star, appears to be hitting his prime at 25 years old and he can opt out of his contract in 2020.

If the plan is to build a winning team around Griffin and Drummond, now is the time to make it happen. This season is not yet a lost cause, and the near future presents opportunities to get significantly better sooner than later.

The Pistons have some decent players with team-friendly contracts that could be attractive trade pieces. They have a productive point guard in Jackson who could be a solid addition to a team that needs scoring or backcourt depth. They also have a first round draft pick that could wind up being a lottery pick.

More than just a talent on the court and a personality in the locker room who can help this team improve right away in the win-loss column, the Pistons also need to do something to bring hope back to a wounded fanbase.

Last year’s trade for Griffin was that kind of move. Some people loved the trade and some didn’t, but at least the franchise was trying. There may not be another blockbuster move in the cards before the 2019 deadline, but the time has come for the Detroit Pistons to make something happen.