Just a couple of weeks away from this year’s NBA Trade Deadline, the Detroit Pistons are easily one of the most improved teams from last season. A year ago, the Pistons were 14-68 and finished with the worst record in the league for the second consecutive year. Halfway through the 2024-25 season, the Pistons are 21-21. They currently own the No. 9 seed in the East and are on the brink of a playoff appearance. However, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer (subscription required ), the Pistons could be in the market for some reinforcements in hopes of a second-half push.
Recently, Fischer revealed that the Pistons are “considering” becoming buyers at the trade deadline this year.
“It was once considered a certainty that Detroit would look to absorb other teams’ contracts for draft capital, either in salary dumps or to help facilitate multi-team trades, since no other team has that much in-season cap space to use,” Fischer wrote on Saturday. “Now the Pistons are considering the concept of becoming trade deadline buyers, according to league sources.”
NBA Insider Announces Major Detroit Pistons Trade Deadline Plans
Cade Cunningham Has Taken a Big Leap This Season
A big reason for Detroit’s success this season is the jump from Cade Cunningham . Cunningham, who is now in his fourth season in the league, is putting together a career year. On the season, he is averaging 24.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 9.4 assists per game. Additionally, he is shooting 45% from the field and 36.8% from the three-point line. All these numbers are career highs for the former No.1 overall draft pick.
At this point, it is unknown if Cunningham is in the midst of his first All-Star campaign. However, he has gotten the co-sign from some notable figures, including Pistons legend and current Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups .
“He’s an All-Star, there’s no question he’s been amazing,” Billups said. “The game has slowed down for him, and when I say that, I always mean in the mind.”
Furthermore, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff spoke about Cunningham’s role as a leader, which has likely brought the most out of the Pistons.
“With Cade there’s a natural vibe, where people want to be around him,” Bickerstaff said. “Because he does things that make people feel comfortable around him and he allows people to be whoever they are around him. He’s not one of those guys who has to make you feel lesser so he can be the guy.”
The Last Word
The Pistons have not made the playoffs since 2019 and have not won a playoff game since 2008. Detroit still has a long way to go before they can be considered legitimate contenders. However, there is no doubt that they are in the middle of a promising season. The Pistons have a lot of talent and are working their way back up the ladder. They could likely make the playoffs even if they stand pat. However, acquiring another asset or two could make sense for the team this season. The Pistons are a team to monitor ahead of the trade deadline and for the rest of the season.
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