Detroit Pistons: 3 players most likely to be traded this season

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 30: Josh Jackson #20 of the Detroit Pistons looks on against the Orlando Magic during the third quarter of the game at Little Caesars Arena on October 30, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

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Kelly Olynyk #13 of the Detroit Pistons looks on against the Orlando Magic (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

Detroit Pistons players most likely to get traded by the deadline: Kelly Olynyk

Perhaps outside of Jerami Grant, no player on the roster is more of a proven commodity that can immediately contribute to winning than Kelly Olynyk. Before being sequestered in Houston after the trade deadline last season, the big man had played meaningful playoff minutes with the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics for the better part of a decade. While he fills a necessary role on the Pistons as the reserve big man who can stretch the floor, he may be better suited elsewhere.

Potentially, the factor most preventing a trade is the center’s contract. Over the offseason, Olynyk signed a three-year, $37 million contract, with the last season being a team option.

That is not a huge number to attempt to move, but oftentimes, teams looking to win in the margins tend to prefer an expiring contract rather than a long-term commitment.

Kelly Olynyk showed me where the scratches were. Saddiq Bey called him "the anchor." He and Blake Griffin keep having to be separated.

Beef Stew embodies "Detroit vs. Everybody," and it's part of why he's turning into the heart of the Pistons' restorationhttps://t.co/8Ko2VgG3Gq
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) November 8, 2021

Olynyk is off to a good start to the season, averaging 12.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.4 steals per game. His shot is not falling as often as normal (34.1 percent from distance), but that should change with time.

Much like the next, and final, name on this list, Olynyk is not someone the team should be looking to move. However, if the right trade were to come along, it would not hurt to enter negotiations with an open mind.

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