The Detroit Pistons are rapidly approaching some NBA history that they do not want to be a part of. After losing opening night, the Pistons won their next two games as there was some optimism that this young group would start showing signs of improvement.
That was all the way back on October 28th when Detroit won that second game. Now, on December 14th, they still have only two wins as they have lost 21 consecutive games, tying a franchise record.
Nothing has gone right for the team, who have been unable to come up with any answers to stop the skid. In Year 4 of the current regime with Troy Weaver leading the way as general manager, something needs to be done.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Jaden Ivey, Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons Updates
Whether it is a small shake-up or a big one, this is a franchise that needs some sort of jolt. It would be hard to argue against anyone who wants to see a clean slate for the Pistons. But, they just hired head coach Monty Williams to the richest contract for a head in NBA history, agreeing to a six-year, $78.5 million this past summer.
If a change is going to come, it will likely be to the roster. One player that many people have identified as a potential trade candidate is Jaden Ivey. The No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft had a strong rookie campaign but has seen his role cut back drastically under Williams.
He is no longer a starter for the team, as Ivey comes off the bench and plays only 23.5 minutes, which is seventh on the team. He is tied for sixth in shot attempts, which is certainly an odd way to handle a recent lottery pick that thrived at times as a rookie.
If the Pistons want to shake up the roster, including him as the centerpiece of a deal could lead to a solid return. A suggested trade partner is the Chicago Bulls, who many NBA insiders believe will sell sooner than later.
What could a trade look like between the teams? A suggested deal from the Detroit Free Press is Ivey, Joe Harris and James Wiseman heading to Chicago in exchange for All-Star shooting guard, Zach LaVine.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Jaden Ivey, Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons Updates
“I can make the argument for Zach LaVine, in that he would do what I think this team needs the most. But, I think it’s more of, that’s the track I would want to go down, that might not necessarily be the exact player I’d want to do it with,” said Bryce Simons of “The Pistons Pulse” podcast from the Detroit Free Press.
LaVine would fix a lot of the Pistons’ issues as a bonafide, go-to scorer that would take pressure off of the young players on the team. But, that is something Detroit was hoping Ivey would turn into and they could be better off allowing him the chance to see if he can do it.
Given LaVine’s huge contract, it would be understandable if the Pistons stayed away from him. But, the chance to acquire a star comes around only so often, so Detroit would likely jump at this opportunity.
Given the lack of a trade market for LaVine, this could be the best offer the Bulls get. But, if a team is willing to include draft compensation in an offer, it would likely top this package from the Pistons.
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