The Detroit Pistons are expected to be one of the most active teams before the deadline as reports suggested that the team will look to make another major roster shakeup again.
The Pistons made a splash during the offseason after acquiring Josh Smith and Brandon Jennings, but sources said that the Pistons are not pinning their hopes on Smith anymore.
The Pistons, who currently hold a 17-23 record in the weak Eastern Conference, will reportedly listen to offers for Smith before the trade deadline on February 20.
Zach Lowe of Grantland pointed out that the Pistons view Smith as a potential hindrance to the development of their emerging big men -- Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond.
Trading Smith would help the Pistons focus on developing the potent Monroe-Drummond frontline duo, but Lowe believes that dealing the All-Star forward will also be easier said than done.
Smith, who is averaging 15.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per game this season, signed a four-year deal worth $54 million during the offseason.
Smith's fresh contract could discourage teams from acquiring the 28-year-old forward, unless they find a team, who is willing to take a gamble on him.
The Brooklyn Nets loom as a potential trading partner for the Pistons if they decide to part ways with Smith.
Sources said that the Nets and Pistons could consider a one-on-one trade between Smith and injured center Brook Lopez. Acquiring Lopez makes no sense for the Pistons if they are looking to contend for a playoff spot this season, but it will put them in a better financial situation moving forward.
On the other hand, the Nets will get a healthy veteran that would improve their chances of making waves in the 2014 NBA Playoffs. The Nets made it no secret that they are on a win-now mode as proven by the expensive roster moves they made during the offseason.
"NBA folks on other teams have mentioned to me in recent days: What if the Pistons offered Smith to the Nets for Brook Lopez? The Nets get a player who can help them now in exchange for a player who can't, and who has suffered chronic foot injuries," Lowe noted.
Aside from Smith, Vincent Goodwill of Detroit News also opened up the possibility of trading Rodney Stuckey before the deadline.
No deal is imminent at this point, but Goodwill noted that the Pistons could send the veteran point guard to the Orlando Magic for Arron Afflalo, who is currently being shopped by the Orlando Magic.
