As the NBA trade deadline inches closer, the Detroit Pistons find themselves in a position few expected: sitting atop the Eastern Conference and holding the cards to shape their future - either by doubling down on their current core or making a bold move that shifts the balance of power.
But don’t expect fireworks just yet.
According to league sources, Detroit’s front office is staying the course with an opportunistic approach rather than going all-in with aggressive moves. That means they’re not actively shopping players or chasing deals. Instead, they’re fielding calls, listening, and weighing options - a sign of a franchise that believes in what it’s building.
And why wouldn’t they? The Pistons are young, ahead of schedule, and playing with a level of cohesion that suggests this group might just be scratching the surface. There’s a real desire in Detroit to see how far this roster can go before shaking things up.
That doesn’t mean they’re without tools. The Pistons have a $14.3 million traded player exception (TPE) at their disposal, which could be used to absorb salary in a deal without sending much back.
But with a July 7 expiration date, there’s no urgency to use it now. The front office is playing the long game.
One of the more intriguing names on the roster is Tobias Harris. The 33-year-old veteran is on an expiring $26.6 million deal and isn’t putting up the numbers he once did - his 13.6 points per game are the lowest since his second season - but his value in Detroit goes beyond the stat sheet.
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has referred to Harris as his “safety blanket,” and it’s clear the team views him as a stabilizing presence for its young core.
League sources say Detroit hasn’t entertained trade talks involving Harris, and that speaks volumes about the culture they’re trying to build.
Then there’s Jaden Ivey, a former lottery pick whose name has surfaced in trade rumors. After a tough run with injuries - a broken fibula last year and knee surgery in October - Ivey hasn’t looked like the explosive guard we saw early in his career.
He’s averaging career lows across the board, including just 8.2 points in 16.8 minutes per game. The Pistons haven’t ruled out moving him, but with his restricted free agency looming and a $13.4 million qualifying offer on the table, Detroit has the flexibility to bring him back without overcommitting.
The Pistons were reportedly interested in Keon Ellis before Sacramento sent him to Cleveland. Ellis, a 3-and-D guard with a career 41.6% mark from beyond the arc and elite steal numbers for a wing, never found consistent minutes with the Kings.
He’s not a proven scorer yet, but his defensive profile would’ve fit nicely in Detroit’s system. Instead, it’s the Cavaliers who’ll see if he can blossom in a new environment.
Meanwhile, Daniss Jenkins has emerged as a name to watch. The undrafted rookie has carved out a role as a reliable second-unit point guard and floor general.
He’s nearly out of eligibility on his two-way contract, and Bickerstaff made it clear after Detroit’s recent win over Golden State that the plan is to keep Jenkins around. That means the Pistons will need to free up a roster spot, either by waiving or trading someone.
Isaac Jones could be the odd man out. The 25-year-old big man, claimed off waivers from Sacramento in November, has played just one game for Detroit and spent the rest of his time with the Motor City Cruise in the G League. He’s on a one-year, $1.9 million deal and would become a restricted free agent this summer.
Other young players like Bobi Klintman and Chaz Lanier have also spent most of the year in the G League, but Detroit has shown more investment in their development. Klintman was acquired in a 2024 draft-night trade with Minnesota, while Lanier was a second-round pick in 2025. Both are seen as longer-term pieces.
Jenkins’ rise could also impact Marcus Sasser’s future. Sasser, under contract through 2026-27, has shown flashes but may find himself in a crowded backcourt if Jenkins continues to earn minutes. It’s not an immediate concern, but it’s something to monitor as Detroit shapes its rotation.
Veteran guard Caris LeVert is another name that could come up in minor trade talks. He’s missed the last seven games with an illness and hasn’t quite found his rhythm this season.
LeVert is averaging just 7.9 points in 19.7 minutes per game - both career lows - and the Pistons have actually played better with him off the floor, posting a +9.2 net rating in those minutes, per Databllr. With a $14.2 million salary and 17 missed games already this season, LeVert could be a candidate to move if Detroit looks to make a smaller deal before the deadline.
Still, don’t expect Detroit to make a move just for the sake of it. The team is prioritizing flexibility heading into the offseason, and for good reason.
Jalen Duren, now a first-time All-Star, is in line for a significant payday after he and the Pistons couldn’t reach a rookie-scale extension before the season. Ausar Thompson and Isaiah Stewart will also become extension-eligible this summer, and Detroit is wisely keeping its books clean to handle those situations.
That said, if the right offer comes along - one that fits both the present and the future - Detroit could pounce. But for now, the Pistons are playing from a position of strength, and that’s a refreshing change in the Motor City.
They don’t need to force a move. They just need to keep building - and maybe, just maybe, the rest of the East should be watching their rearview mirror.