Pistons Considering Pivot Away From Renting Out Cap Space At Trade Deadline

[RealGM Wiretap]

The Detroit Pistons have $14 million in cap space and are $44 million below the luxury tax, which they have intended to rent out to rival teams who either need to save money or to facilitate bigger trades. But with the Pistons in the playoff picture, sources say they are adjusting their strategy and will consider trades to upgrade their roster and for flexibility next season.

Cade Cunningham could be an All-Star this season and the team is significantly more competitive under J.B. Bickerstaff a year after they went 14-68 with a record-tying 28 straight losses.

The additions of competent veteran shooters like Tobias Harris and Tim Hardaway Jr. has also played a role in their improved play as Cunningham is now operating with more space. 

Trajan Langdon is in his first season running the Pistons after replacing Troy Weaver. 

Via Brian Windhorst/ESPN

[Yacky]

Can we never let Monty Williams back in the NBA, ever?

[Toine85]

Can we never let Monty Williams back in the NBA, ever?

Monty didn't have Tobias and THJ last year to help?

[Billl]

Can we never let Monty Williams back in the NBA, ever?

Monty didn't have Tobias and THJ last year to help?

The roster was a mess, but Monty was playing Killian Hayes over Jaden Ivey, so it was more than just that.

[TimeisIllmatic]

It's a good time to be a Detroit sports fan to say the least.

[Cassius]

Trojan Condom is playing games... this is exactly how you raise the price for cap space rentals, to grab that one overpaid role player that completes the rotation and gets you out of the play-in.

[Pickled Prunes]

Can we never let Monty Williams back in the NBA, ever?

Monty didn't have Tobias and THJ last year to help?

The roster was a mess, but Monty was playing Killian Hayes over Jaden Ivey, so it was more than just that.

Honestly, I think Monty wanted Ivey to earn it, rather than having it handed to him like Ben Simmons. Establish a work ethic. He was also told that lottery balls were more important than wins... until the organization was embarrassed by the losing streak.

The lesson: losing is OK, but not all in a row?!

[beefman]

Can we never let Monty Williams back in the NBA, ever?

he's one of the best coaches out there.

[We Are Groot]

Can we never let Monty Williams back in the NBA, ever?

he's one of the best coaches out there.

was def'ly more of a Weaver problem than a Wililams problem. Why push so hard for dude who didn't want the job to begin with? is anybody suprised there were motivation issues?

as far as Detroit pivoting ... if i were managing the team, i'd want a more stable foundation b4 chasing playoff appearances. i dunno that all their pieces fit as well as they should rn. Shoot for a star to pair with Cade b4 getting outta asset accumulation mode. The Thunder didn't overvalue their playoff appearance with CP3. They played the long game and ended up with Chet. Contrast that with Chicago who didn't continue to progress after sacrificing their future for their appearance.

Think the Rox are in a similar position. Pistons are sorta Rockets East. It looks like Green & Alpy isn't an ideal fit. Similarly, not crazy abt the Ivey & Cunningham backcourt. I dunno that Duren is a clean fit either. Their numbers with Beef Stew (maybe usurprsingly) are a lot better.

stay the course & hope for better luck with draft position. Langdon has bn such an improvement over. if ownnership is thirsty, sacrifice as little as possible for a token playoff experience. last thing they wanna do is impede Cade's growth by bringing in another alpha

[uconn83]

the in-built Malik Beasley offence from that overachieving jazz team in full display