The Detroit Pistons might be in the running for All-Star playmaker Rajon Rondo either next summer or February trade deadline with forwards Greg Monroe, Josh Smith and even point guard Brandon Jennings likely as the team's trade chips.
With the arrival of veteran head coach Stan Van Gundy as the team's basketball operations head and main bench tactician, the Pistons seem to be tracking the right direction as they look to end their playoff draught next season.
Armed with young talented players like Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe, the Pistons certainly have the tools to compete for a playoff spot in a weak Eastern Conference. However, there are still questions left unanswered, especially on the future of some of their key members.
The Pistons' interest in acquiring Rondo isn't a secret at all. In fact, ex-general manager Joe Dumars attempted several times to trade for the crafty playmaker, but negotiations with the Celtics management all ended in futility. Instead, Dumars retracted from his Rondo project and shifted his focus on plan B by bringing Brandon Jennings from the Milwaukee Bucks.
The 24-year old Jennings averaged 15.5 points and 7.6 dimes last season, though he shot just 37 percent from the field - which is a considerably low percentage for a point guard.
Josh Smith, who signed a four-year, $54 million deal last season, averaged 16.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game in his first year with the Pistons. Although the numbers are pretty much solid, his shot selection remains problematic while providing complications to Monroe, who reportedly wanted to get out of the Pistons mess.
The 24-year old Monroe signed a one-year, qualifying offer worth $5.5 million to become an unrestricted free-agent next season. This move made Monroe a potential trade chip for the Pistons, who will try to get a significant haul in exchange for the flourishing big man.
Apparently, Monroe and Smith have previously been linked as trade targets for the Celtics. With several analysts thinking the Celtics will eventually trade Rondo at some point next season, the Pistons could make a gamble in sending a competitive package centered on Monroe or Smith to the Celtics for the All-Star point guard.
Moreover, the Pistons have the draft picks to make their trade offer more appealing for the rebuilding Celtics. As for Jennings, Van Gundy could still use him as a modified shooting guard because of his scoring ability. Rondo and Jennings backcourt tandem can easily be one of the most exciting 1-2 duo in the league, while Andre Drummond's development will further boost the Pistons' rise as a powerhouse in the East.
Of course, there's a great chance Rondo will stick around with the Celtics at the end of the season. But the Pistons, with lots of cap space, can once again make a run at Rondo in 2015 free-agency.
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