2 Detroit Pistons Players Listed as Names to Watch on NBA Trade Market

Which Detroit Pistons players are listed as names to watch on the NBA trade market?

Nov 10, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) battles for a loose ball with Detroit Pistons forward Paul Reed (7) and guard Cade Cunningham (2) in the second quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images / Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

With the NBA trade deadline just a few months away, the rumors are beginning to heat up. The Detroit Pistons don’t seem to be too active in the market just yet, but that could change once they figure out which direction they are headed.

For the time being, there aren’t any notable names on the roster to keep an eye on just yet. On a recent early trade primer, Bleacher Report considered just two reserves as names to watch for the time being: Paul Reed and Wendell Moore Jr.

The latter player is a former first-round pick who started his career with the Minnesota Timberwolves. After wrapping up his sophomore stint with the Timberwolves, Moore was dealt to the Pistons during the 2024 NBA Draft alongside the pick that became Bobi Klintman.

Since suiting up for Detroit, Moore has appeared in 11 games, averaging five points, one assist, and three rebounds. He’s currently shooting 54 percent from the field.

As for Reed, he’s another recent offseason acquisition for Detroit. After getting waived by the Philadelphia 76ers, the former second-round pick was claimed by Detroit to compete for backup center minutes. While the experience is there, Reed hasn’t beaten out Isaiah Stewart for the playing time behind Jalen Duren.

Pistons have added Paul Reed to the roster🔥pic.twitter.com/gCrNn4Vcnw https://t.co/z1L5K0M8VP

— Pistons Fleet🏁 (@PistonsFleet) July 9, 2024

Getting paid $7.7 million for the year, Reed’s salary could be useful in the market. Moore is currently playing on a team option worth $2.5 million.

No Case for Tobias Harris?

The Pistons had a clear plan during the 2024 offseason. They looked to improve the roster by adding seasoned vets but made sure to keep them on short-term deals so they have flexibility. Tobias Harris landed a generous contract offer from the Pistons, but the duration is just two seasons.

While BR pegged Paul Reed and Wendell Moore as names to watch in the trade market, there wasn’t a case being made for a player like Harris or the other short-term veterans.

Nov 29, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Quenton Jackson (29) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images / Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

“Detroit could try to part ways with veterans like Tim Hardaway Jr., Tobias Harris or Malik Beasley, but the goal has been to improve, and the Pistons are no longer one of the worst teams in basketball. Instead, perhaps the best path is to take on draft picks, young players, or additional under-30 veterans to help the Pistons continue to grow.”

The Pistons are likely undecided on becoming buyers or sellers before the deadline. If they start to hit a wall and decline from their moderate early-season success, kicking around the idea of potentially moving on from Harris, Hardaway, or Beasley wouldn’t be a backward move.

As of now, those three aren’t signed beyond next season. They would attract a better haul than a Reed or a Moore and offer Detroit a “help me help you” type of situation.

However, if the Pistons continue finding success and stay within the Play-In picture, then there won’t be any reason to shake up the roster unless it’s a big move for a star. Based on Trajan Langdon’s comments earlier this year, Detroit doesn’t see itself in a playoff-or-bust situation. As long as the 32-year-old Harris is satisfied with his role on an up-and-comer, the Pistons likely won’t rush to trade him before the February deadline.