The Detroit Pistons have considered pivoting from asset-collection mode to being buyers at the trade deadline. Detroit has just over $14 million in cap space to use to make trades ahead of the deadline. Earlier this season, it was expected Pistons GM Trajan Langdon would use that space to take on bad contracts, while continuing to add draft picks and young talent.
Now, Detroit’s strong play ahead of the deadline has Langdon reconsidering that approach. But don’t expect any blockbuster moves. Rival teams have said that the Pistons don’t seem to be considering any major moves. Instead, Detroit appears focused on making smaller, but targeted upgrades to their roster.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been speculated as a team that could trade for any number of available players at the trade deadline. That list is headlined by Cam Johnson of the Brooklyn Nets.
The Thunder aren’t focused on outside acquisitions. Oklahoma City is instead looking forward to the return of injured players like Chet Holmgren, and now Isaiah Hartenstein. Given their place at the top of the Western Conference standings, Oklahoma City is also reluctant to disrupt what has been a top team this year, and one that has great team chemistry.
The Thunder announced this week that Holmgren is making progress and will be re-evaluated in three-to-five weeks from his fractured pelvis. Hartenstein is going to be out for at least a week due to a left calf strain.
With both big men returning soon, Oklahoma City is focused on how they will re-integrate them into the lineup. Mark Daigneault could play both bigs together, or could use them as a starter-backup combo.
Cam Johnson of the Brooklyn Nets remains one of the hottest names on the NBA trade market. The Nets continue to insist they aren’t in a must-trade situation with Johnson. However, most around the NBA believe they will move the forward ahead of the February 6 trade deadline.
Two teams showing interest in Johnson include the Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings. The Kings potential package of Kevin Huerter, Trey Lyles and a future first-round pick could be the offer to beat roughly two-and-a-half weeks from the deadline. As for the Pacers, they remain a team to watch in the Johnson sweepstakes.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have also shown interest in Johnson. That interest has been preliminary, with the Cavs and Nets yet to have serious discussions.
