The Detroit Pistons are currently a playoff bubble team trending in the wrong direction. Things were looking up for the team after they traded away Josh Smith and suddenly the wins were coming easier. However, one injury could derail all of the improvement the Pistons had been doing as Brandon Jennings has been lost for the season. Now, Detroit is quickly trying to find his replacement and keep their postseason dreams alive.
Jennings suffered a torn Achilles last Saturday which means he is done for the next six to eight months as he rehabs the injury. He was currently the driving force of the Pistons and his absence leaves a huge hole on the court for Detroit. Right now, the team is operating with DJ Augustin as their starter and while he is a very solid option on the court, he is no Jennings. At this point the Pistons are not going to go out and chase a big name to help get them back into playoff contention, but there are options to help the team out.
According to a report from Northeast Ohio Media Group, the Pistons have reached out to the Miami Heat about the availability of Norris Cole. The point guard is currently working off the final year of his contract and will be a restricted free agent in the summer which is what Detroit is looking for. According to team sources, the Pistons want someone that will be effective as either a starter or a backup and they want someone with a short-term contract or team option that can then be evaluated at the end of the season. Cole is certainly that player.
The Pistons have also been linked to deals for either Pablo Prigioni or Jose Calderon of the New York Knicks. The Knicks are desperate to deal and might lower their expectations of what they can get in return for either point guard. If Detroit wants a short-term contract, Prigioni is the better pickup for the team. The point guard has just one more year remaining on his contract worth just over $1 million which is easy for Detroit. Calderon comes with too much money attached.
Other options for Detroit could be Jeremy Lin who has an expiring contract, but the Lakers are unlikely to deal considering they are short on bodies already. Nate Robinson and Jordan Farmar are on the market as well. The Pistons have a shot at the playoffs, but that all depends on how they replace Jennings.
The Miami Heat are reportedly interested in dealing Cole for the right price. The Charlotte Hornets are currently exploring for a replacement for Kemba Walker and could potentially work in a deal that includes Lance Stephenson. That is a stretch in terms of salary matching, but the Heat could try to make it work.