Pistons are comfortable with a low-profile approach as the deadline passes.
DETROIT — The Detroit Pistons, currently at the top of the Eastern Conference, chose not to make a significant move at the trade deadline, deciding instead to rely on their youthful roster and team chemistry with the playoffs approaching in just over two months.
They are challenging the common belief that star Cade Cunningham should be paired with another elite scorer, opting instead to trade guard Jaden Ivey to Chicago in exchange for Kevin Huerter on Wednesday.
The Pistons are focusing on their second-ranked defense, which is only behind the defending champion Oklahoma City, rather than enhancing their offensive capabilities, as they prepare for the playoff run.
“I think there are various ways to approach this,” said Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon on Friday afternoon. “We have been taking a different route, emphasizing defense and really putting in the effort. I believe we will continue on this path.”
Huerter has a career 3-point shooting percentage of 37 percent, although he is currently shooting at 31 percent this season. His expiring contract worth $17.9 million is also a significant asset for the Pistons as they look to navigate free agency this summer, with the team currently positioned in the lower third of overall salary. Ivey, selected fifth in the 2022 draft, will become a restricted free agent this summer and has not fully returned to his previous form following a fibula injury sustained last New Year’s Day.
Several contenders have made roster adjustments, believing the conference is open for competition. The Boston Celtics acquired Nikola Vucevic in exchange for Anfernee Simons, the Cleveland Cavaliers traded for All-Star James Harden, and the New York Knicks brought in backup guard Jose Alvarado.
Langdon was not inclined to pursue a win-now strategy that could jeopardize the team’s future. Cunningham is under a long-term contract, while All-Star center Jalen Duren is next on the agenda for this summer, along with Ausar Thompson, who is also eligible for an extension.
Despite the Pistons having an unexpectedly successful season thus far, potentially surpassing last season’s 44-win total this month, Langdon has consistently emphasized the importance of not “skipping steps.”
“That option was not available to us,” Langdon stated. “We continue to discuss and think in terms of not skipping steps. Nothing arose that would have compelled us to do so.”
There was speculation within the league that the Pistons might pursue Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. or New Orleans swingman Trey Murphy, the latter of whom Langdon had prior knowledge of from his tenure as a Pelicans executive.
Langdon acknowledged that larger trades were considered but ultimately did not materialize.
“There were discussions about various options, whether it was the other team backing out or us deciding that the timing wasn’t right,” Langdon explained. “There were some possibilities that I wouldn’t say were close, but we contemplated them and chose not to proceed.”
Langdon and head coach J.B. Bickerstaff seem aligned in their approach to avoid setting unrealistic expectations for this season, but Langdon also wants to observe how this group performs under playoff pressure before making long-term decisions.
“What will our postseason strategy be? Who will step up during critical moments?” Langdon inquired. “The goal is to position ourselves to play meaningful basketball in the postseason, which will help us evaluate this team’s identity and our direction moving forward.”
