DETROIT – Detroit Pistons President Trajan Langdon discussed the team’s recent trade-deadline moves and overall strategy.
On the trade that sent Jaden Ivey to the Chicago Bulls for Dario Šarić and Kevin Huerter, Langdon said the goal was twofold.
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“If we could use our exception to bring in a player that we liked or to do something for assets for a potential move or a better player going forward,” said Langdon.
Langdon added that the team aimed to improve spacing and shooting.
“We did a little bit of both, bringing in Mike Conley and then rerouting him from our space in Chicago, and a potential move up in the draft, even if it’s a couple spots,” Langdon said.
Langdon praised Huerter’s fit with the team.
“His time in the league, not just a shooter but also a smart basketball player with size. Moves well without the ball, has been really good finishing around the basket the past couple years, and can run some second side pick and roll, be a secondary ball handler as well,” Langdon said.
Regarding Daniss Jenkins, Langdon shared an update on the young player’s status.
“This is his 50th game and his last game on his two-way. We’re having conversations with his agent about what that looks like going forward, and we’ll convert him over the weekend. He’ll be a rostered player in our game on in-show. At least that’s the goal,” Langdon said.
He praised Jenkins’ hard work and improvement.
“He’s worked his butt off all last season, playing a ton of games for the Motor City Cruise. We saw his improvement during the year and how he played in the summer league in Las Vegas. He’s continued to improve working with trainers, staff, and teammates," Langdon said.
On the trade deadline process, Langdon said it was a mix of proactive and reactive moves.
“Trying to look at things that made sense for us to get better. That was always the intention behind this trade deadline — to improve this team now and going forward,” Langdon said.
He emphasized the importance of fit with the team’s identity and coaching system.
“Things that J.B. will fit in his system on both ends of the floor. That was the mindset going into not just doing something to do it but being intentional around any move,” Langdon said.
Langdon expressed hope that by the end of the season, the team would have clarity on its direction.
“I think we’re playing good basketball this year as a team. The guys understand what J.B. and staff want. The hope is we give ourselves a chance to play some meaningful basketball in the postseason and assess who we are going forward,” Langdon said.
On exploring the buyout market, Langdon said the team will “always look at opportunities to get better” and “definitely explore it and see who becomes available.”
Regarding balancing young players’ development with potentially impactful moves, Langdon said it was a combination of both.
“We looked at everything, different opportunities, and tried to understand what’s going to make us better now. We had a lot of good internal conversations and felt this was the best direction for us right now,” Langdon said.
He acknowledged that some potential deals were considered but not executed.
“There were some things that I wouldn’t say got close that we thought about but didn’t execute,” Langdon said.
When asked about the possibility of “skipping steps” given the team’s strong position, Langdon said it was not really an option.
“That was not available to us. We still talk about it, but nothing came up that would have made us do that,” Langdon said.
On the Eastern Conference landscape, Langdon said the team wanted moves that would help both this year and beyond.
“Philosophically, that didn’t fit to just take a shot for one year that would impact us going forward. We wanted carry-forward moves,” Langdon said.
Regarding the trade involving Huerter and Šarić, Langdon said it was about finding the right fit and adding spacing.
“We know we needed spacing, and we thought Kevin did that. His gravity has been good and gives more space to operate, whether playing with Cade or in non-Cade minutes,” Langdon said.
He also noted Huerter’s defensive improvement and size as a good fit.
On maintaining team chemistry, Langdon said it was a key factor.
“You can see it between the lines and in the locker room. We were conscientious about making sure the group feels the same post-trade deadline as pre-trade deadline,” Langdon said.
He acknowledged that Šarić’s departure would be difficult but expressed confidence in Huerter as a high-character player who is excited about the team’s winning environment.
On the team’s offensive structure, Langdon said they would be creative and rely on different players stepping up.
“Cade has been consistent. JD has taken a step. We have to have other guys be aggressive and step up at different times,” Langdon said.
He emphasized defense as the team’s identity.
“We can’t stop doing that. There are different ways to skin a cat, and we’ve been doing it differently on defense,” Langdon said.
Finally, Langdon highlighted the importance of culture in decision-making.
“Culture falls extremely high. The environment, the way these guys come together, enjoy coming to work, have each other’s back, drive one another,” Langdon said.
He stressed the need for seamless integration of new players mid-season.
“You don’t have much time to incorporate that player. It needs to be quick and seamless to stay on the winning path,” Langdon said.