The NBA trade rumors are heating up as we draw closer to the February 8 trade deadline, and if the rumors are correct, the Detroit Pistons are in the buying market. The Pistons got off to a great start to the 2017-18 NBA season, however, they are 5-5 in their last 10, and they have dropped four of their last six - with all the defeats coming on the road.
While the Pistons are still well within the Eastern Conference playoff hunt, the rumor mill is churning as they look to bolster their roster heading into the second half of the season.
Nikola Mirotic on Pistons radar
One name that has come up over the past 24 hours that caught the Pistons' eye is Nikola Mirotic. Mirotic has made it no secret that he would like to play somewhere else before season's end, and who can blame him?
Back in October, Mirotic was punched in the face by Bobby Portis during a practice. Strangely, Portis was suspended for just eight games after the incident, while Mirotic missed the first 23 games of the season after suffering two broken bones in his face. Since his return, Mirotic has averaged 17 points and seven rebounds per game while shooting nearly 50 percent from 3-point land. Mirotic could be a great addition off the bench for the Pistons. Along with Detroit, Utah and Portland are also interested in Mirotic.
The Bulls are reportedly asking for a first-round pick for Mirotic.
Evan Fournier, Caris LeVert possibilities?
Along with Mirotic, Orlando's Evan Fournier has come up several times as a possible deal for the Pistons.
SB Nation indicates that the Pistons inquired about a potential trade for Evan Fournier. While Detroit pursued a deal to land the big man, no deal could be reached at the time.
One problem according to reports could have been that the player the Magic wanted, Reggie Jackson, is sidelined due to injury. Another issue that arose is Orlando may want Detroit to include the promising rookie Luke Kennard.
Fournier is the Magic’s second-leading scorer at 17.9 points per game, which is a career-best, but throwing in Kennard may put a damper on this deal.
Fournier has three more years remaining on his contract, which is worth $17 million per season.
Finally, is Caris LaVert a possible target? The former Michigan Wolverine and current Brooklyn Net hasn't been rumored to be on the block lately, however, with the surge of former Piston Spencer Dinwiddie excelling in Brooklyn, the Nets may listen to offers. LaVert is averaging 12 points per contest this season.