Coty M. Davis: Three big-name players the Pistons should avoid at NBA trade deadline

Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News on Jan 29, 2026

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

PHOENIX — The countdown to the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline is on. This year could be one of the most impactful trade periods in several seasons, as many high-profile players could be on the move.

The Milwaukee Bucks reportedly have started making trade calls about Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is ready to find a new home.

The Detroit Pistons have all the necessary resources to make any trade they desire. They possess all their own first-round picks and a plethora of second-round selections over the next several years. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff believes the Pistons are in a good position, but he is aware of the improvements his team must make in order to maintain its pursuit of the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

With Detroit in a position to pursue any player on the trade market, beat writer Coty M. Davis examines three high-profile players the Pistons should avoid.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Antetokounmpo, 31, has spent nearly a decade as a top-five player, and at times, the best. He is by far the most promising prospect on the trade market, and his acquisition could upgrade every team in the league — from the bottom-feeders to the contenders.

The idea of Antetokounmpo wearing a Detroit jersey and establishing a dynamic two-man game with Cade Cunningham is exciting. However, it may be best for Pistons management not to pursue Antetokounmpo, due to the high-risk/high-reward nature of such a deal.

To acquire Antetokounmpo, a team would need to give up a significant number of assets, which could make it challenging to build a contender around him in the future. The Bucks are asking for multiple draft picks and young players. If the Pistons were to trade for Antetokounmpo, it would significantly reduce their depth.

In addition to gutting their roster, injuries are the most significant red flag in pursuing the former two-time league MVP. The 10-time All-Star has had a number of calf strains over the previous three seasons. His latest came during the Bucks' 102-100 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Jan. 23.

Calf strains are typically a warning sign of the catastrophic Achilles tear, which would have robbed the acquisition team of a full season with Antetokounmpo on the court. Given the number of lower-leg injuries he has had, it will eventually affect his playstyle, as his game is predicated on his athleticism.

Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans

With his ties to the Big Easy, it will not be surprising if Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon revisits his former team in an effort to improve his current ball club. The New Orleans Pelicans are sitting with the league’s second-worst record at 12-37 and probably will be sellers at the deadline. They have a handful of players who could help the Pistons; however, it would be best for them to avoid Zion Williamson, 25.

The former No. 1 overall pick has fallen short of the high expectations he brought to the league in 2019 and has become a forgotten star. In addition, injuries and questionable off-court decisions have overshadowed Williamson’s on-court talents. Unlike Antetokounmpo, the asking price for Williamson will be low, making the two-time All-Star a low-risk/high-reward acquisition. However, Williamson’s playstyle does not align with the Pistons' needs.

He is a forward who needs the ball in his hands to be effective. While the Pistons are in dire need of a secondary ball-handler, Williamson is not the person for the job. First and foremost, whenever he has the ball in his hands, Williamson aims to attack downhill rather than create plays for his teammates.

It is also worth noting that acquiring Williamson would add another subpar 3-point shooter (31.7%), which is the most important attribute the Pistons need to pursue at this year’s deadline.

Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks

Anthony Davis is the most prominent player on the market that the Pistons have been connected to. The rumor began in November, but it has since faded. However, among all the high-profile players on the move, Davis would be the best fit for Detroit.

He would be the versatile stretch big man the Pistons have desperately tried to pair Cunningham with since the guard arrived in Detroit in 2021. Davis would not change much of the Pistons' rotation or play style, especially since he is a 6-foot-10 big man who prefers to play power forward. Davis' preference would enable the Pistons to deploy a lineup featuring both him and Jalen Duren, allowing them to dominate the frontcourt together.

However, it is no secret that injuries have made Davis a hard pass for teams looking to acquire his talents. It comes with the territory. The most significant issue with acquiring Davis is the financial burden he will impose.

Davis is looking to cash in on what could be the final major payday of his career, which would also ruin the Pistons' financial flexibility. At 32 years old, and with injuries having hampered his on-court play, Davis’ new contract could end up being a greater hindrance than that of Paul George in Philadelphia.