The 2019-2020 Detroit Pistons are looking more and more like a team that will not come close to making the NBA Playoffs. Because of that reality, they will be looking to trade some assets before the trade deadline.
According to Rod Beard of The Detroit News, there are four current Pistons players who have either a ‘high’ or ‘good’ chance of being traded. Those players are Andre Drummond (high), Derrick Rose (good), Langston Galloway (good), and Luke Kennard (good).
From The Detroit News:
Andre Drummond, center
Drummond, 26, is in his eighth season and is the longest-tenured Pistons player, posting 17.2 points and a league-best 15.6 rebounds this season. Because of the uncertainty surrounding next season, teams might be scared away from trading good assets for Drummond, but he could be a boost to the right team, given a change of scenery and good surrounding structure.
► Trade likelihood: High. The Pistons would be wise to get whatever assets they could for Drummond, even if it’s just a second-round pick and an expiring contract. If they do nothing, he could leave this summer and they get nothing.
Derrick Rose, guard
Rose, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 draft, has been beset by injuries for much of his career, but with his career renaissance — paired with the fact that he’s on an extreme-value contract of two years and $15 million, he could bring a nice return for the Pistons if they choose to deal him.
One potential issue is the Pistons don’t have another point guard signed for next season, and Rose has a strong relationship with Pistons vice chairman Arn Tellem, his former agent. Would the Pistons part with Rose, giving him an opportunity to go to a title contender such as the Lakers or Sixers, as has been rumored? The asking price could get pretty high, and a bidding war would only benefit the Pistons in a very handsome return package.
► Trade likelihood: Good. Draft picks don’t come along often, and if they can get a first-round pick for Rose, it could be the best value deal of all their prospects.
Langston Galloway, guard
Galloway is in the final season of his three-year deal for $21 million and at $7.3 million this season, he could be an attraction for a contending team. He’s shooting 40 percent on 3-pointers this season and is a good defender to be just 6-foot-1. There are rumblings that if the right team is interested, Galloway could return an early second-round pick or maybe even one late in the first round. Either would be a victory for the Pistons in trying to acquire more assets. Galloway is regarded as a pro’s pro in the locker room, so don’t rule out bringing him back as a veteran leader.
► Trade likelihood: Good, if the right teams are willing to make the move.
Luke Kennard, guard
This might come as something of a surprise, but Kennard is due for a big payday in the next couple of seasons. If the Pistons aren’t completely sold that he can be a major building block for the franchise, they could decide to move him before giving him a huge contract. Injuries have limited his contributions this season, as he’s played in just 28 of 49 games because of knee tendinitis. When he’s healthy, he’s a big asset, with a career-high 15.8 points and a respectable 40 percent from beyond the arc.
► Trade likelihood: Good. Depending on the deal, Kennard could be a sweetener that helps move bigger contracts or helps bring back other young players or draft picks.
Nation, which of these players do you think will get traded before the deadline?
