The Detroit Pistons aimed to acquire Brandon Ingram from the New Orleans Pelicans as the trade deadline approached, but ultimately, the star forward will be joining the Toronto Raptors instead. Toronto's acquisition involves trading Bruce Brown Jr., Kelly Olynyk, and multiple draft picks. Despite a 16-35 record, the Raptors hope to pair Ingram with Scottie Barnes for future success. Meanwhile, the Pistons made smaller trades for role players like KJ Martin and Josh Richardson, indicating a patient approach to building a competitive roster.

Currently sitting seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 25-26 record, the Pistons are focused on making their first postseason appearance in years. While Ingram could have bolstered their lineup, Detroit seems content with their current strategy, prioritizing development over risky trades.