NBA Rumors: Pistons Trading Saddiq Bey Would 'Surprise' Insiders Ahead of Deadline

Barring an unexpected twist, Saddiq Bey looks set to remain with the Detroit Pistons through Thursday's NBA trade deadline, according to The Athletic's James Edwards III.

Edwards reported the Pistons are "not overly eager" to trade Bey with a few others and that people around the league "would be surprised if Bey is traded."

The 6'7" forward is averaging 15.0 points and 4.6 rebounds and shooting 34.9 percent from three-point range in his third season.

Bey's playing time has dipped a bit. He's averaging 28.9 minutes per game, down from 33.0 in 2021-22, and he has come off the bench for 20 of his 50 appearances.

Edwards reported on Jan. 16 that outside interest in Bey "intensified" after he was shifted to a bench role in November. In his follow-up report, Edwards wrote the performance and contract status of Bojan Bogdanović led some to wonder whether Bey was considered "more expendable."

The 2020 first-round pick isn't so good that he should be considered untouchable, and Detroit will have to seriously contemplate his future before too long. He's eligible for restricted free agency in 2024 and can sign a multiyear extension starting this summer.

Absent an overwhelming offer, though, it's hard to envision why trading Bey would make sense. The 23-year-old is a solid scorer who's good enough from the perimeter to keep opposing defenses honest. Given his age, he may not be the finished article, either.

Because he still has time to run on his rookie deal, the Pistons can give it another season with Bey to see if he evolves and firmly cements himself as a part of the long-term foundation.