NBA 2018/19: 3 players the Detroit Pistons should trade away

For the better part of the last decade, the Detroit Pistons have struggled to make an impact in the NBA. Since reaching the Eastern Conference Finals back in 2008, the franchise has only reached the playoffs on two further occasions, and both appearances resulted in series sweeps to the Cleveland Cavaliers (2009 and 2016).

The Pistons also narrowly missed out on a playoff appearance last season as they finished 9th in the East, with a record of 39-43. Despite this, there was cause for optimism as the team headed into the 18/19 season, as the Pistons boasted the All-Star pairing of Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin, in addition to highly rated players such as Reggie Jackson and Reggie Bullock.

Nevertheless, after a bright start to the season, the Pistons have since collapsed, losing seven of their last ten games. This has taken the teams record to 17-21, and they are currently outside of the playoff places. With the Pistons unlikely to pose a threat even if they make the postseason, here are three players that the team should look to trade.

#3 Jon Leuer

Jon Leuer was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 40th overall pick of the 2011 NBA draft, although he only went on to play 46 games with the team. Leuer has since had spells in Cleveland, Memphis and Phoenix, and he eventually signed with the Pistons back in 2016.

Unfortunately, Leuer's time in Detroit has been disrupted by injuries, and he has played just 32 times in the past 18 months. The 29-year-old has recently returned to full fitness, although Leuer is playing just over 10 minutes per game, and is averaging just 4.4 points.

Ultimately the forward is set to earn close to $10 million for the 19/20 season, and the Pistons would be wise to trade away the veteran.

#2 Langston Galloway

Langston Galloway at the Detroit Pistons Media Day

Langston Galloway played four seasons of college basketball for Saint Joseph's University, and after going undrafted during the 2014 draft, Galloway eventually landed a place on the New York Knicks roster. The guard has since had spells with the New Orleans Pelicans and Detroit Pistons, and Galloway was snapped up by the Pistons in 2017, when he signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the organisation

Galloway has been a regular from the bench this season, although he continues to struggle on defense, and during his six seasons in the NBA, the 27-year-old has averaged less than .400 when shooting from the field. Galloway's consistency from behind the arc also continues to decrease, and the guard is currently shooting a career-low .333. Ultimately, Galloway is locked into an overvalued contract, and the Pistons should look for a cheaper alternative.

#1 Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin has been excellent so far this season, although the Pistons have failed to show that they can compete with the duo of Griffin and Andre Drummond. Despite playing in a historically weak Eastern Conference, the Pistons are currently out of contention for a postseason appearance and their record of 17-21 will be considered immensely disappointing.

Griffin himself has dropped 34 points in back to back games, and he is currently averaging 25.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. Despite this, Griffin is only in the second year of a huge five-year, $173 million contract, and with the 5-time All-Star turning 30 in March, the team may have little choice but to move their star player on.

While it will be difficult to move Griffin, his form this season may make a trade possible, although the Pistons should be wary of taking on bad contracts as part of any deal for Griffin.