Despite having the worst record in the NBA this season, it appears that the Detroit Pistons aren't looking to throw in the towel just yet. In fact, they have reportedly been linked to Chicago Bulls All-Star Zach LaVine, who is believed to be available.
“I would not be surprised if they dip their toe into Zach LaVine and see what his market is.”
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 4, 2023
- @BobbyMarks42 on the Detroit Pistons pic.twitter.com/zjJ6B920Ci
If true, the Pistons would be a highly unlikely candidate to acquire LaVine, considering they are in the midst of an ugly 17-game losing streak and are just 2-18 on the season. On the other hand, the Pistons are likely trying to find a quick way out of their tailspin, and moving some of their redundant pieces for LaVine may make sense.
NBA Rumors: Would the Detroit Pistons trade for Zach LaVine?
Unlike many of the teams who have been linked to LaVine, the Pistons have more draft picks to offer as well as recent lottery picks. That would give them a potential advantage if they decide to get into the LaVine sweepstakes. Moreover, players such as Killian Hayes, Bojan Bogdanovic, and James Wiseman could all be moved in a hypothetical deal for LaVine.
Add in draft picks and that may potentially entice the Bulls. After all, they will likely be starting an extended rebuild and could use prospects like Hayes and even Wiseman, despite his barely playing thus far this season.
For the Pistons, trading for a star with three seasons remaining on his contract is their best chance to add one since they haven't historically been a destination. Of course, with the recent high lottery in Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and Ausar Thompson, there's hope that one of them will soon emerge as a star in their own right.
However, after finishing with the worst record in the NBA last season and being on pace to do it again, they don't have the luxury of waiting for that to happen, thus the LaVine rumors. Ultimately, the Pistons can outbid several teams interested in him but it remains to be seen how aggressively they will pursue him.