According to Chris Broussard of ESPN, the Pistons are actively shopping Austin Daye as the NBA trade deadline approaches. As expected, Detroit is not getting a lot of traction in their trade discussions. The third year forward is having a poor season, shooting just 30% from the field and connecting on only 20% of his three point attempts, down from 40% last season. If the Pistons find a buyer for Austin Daye, fans shouldn't expect much in return.
Daye has one year remaining on his contract before entering restricted free agency. He is due $2,958,077 next season and Detroit has an option to tender a $4,135,391 qualifying offer for the year following. While the money is certainly moveable, Daye's production will make a trade a tough sell. Daye was effective from the perimeter in 2010-11, he rebounded well and was used for roughly 20 minutes a game. In 2011-12, he's fallen out of the rotation having only played 9 minutes total in the last 12 games.
Given his age and rookie scale salary, teams might take a flyer on Daye if he can at least return to the form he'd established last season. Lottery teams in need of help on the wings could have interest in Daye, and such an opportunity could be good for the forward's career. Teams like Washington, Sacramento and others could make use of Austin Daye and have the cap room to make a deal only involving picks coming back to Detroit. The Kings could be a possible destination, and Detroit could inquire about the availability of 7-foot center Hassan Whiteside, a second round draft pick or both.
Stay tuned, hopefully more news on Austin Daye will come as we approach the final trade deadline.
UPDATE -- According to Vincent Goodwill, the Pistons have turned down a few trades for Daye, including from some Western Conference teams. Buffoonery.