Late last month, Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores made a strong statement about the need for change within the struggling team. However, as the clock ticks closer to the NBA Trade Deadline on February 8, the promised change has yet to materialize.

In a press conference on December 22, following a disappointing loss to the Utah Jazz, Gores emphasized the urgency for change, stating, "We require change... We're not doing well." He also expressed confidence in General Manager Troy Weaver's ability to initiate the much-needed transformations.

Despite the team's motivation to make significant moves, it seems that other teams in the league are not yet ready to engage in trade discussions with the Pistons. The desired changes, specifically improvements to the end of the rotation, have proven elusive so far.

While the Pistons could have pursued players like OG Anunoby or Zach LaVine, the team has instead set their sights on bolstering their roster with more well-suited options. However, any potential trade partners are likely waiting to see how the market evolves before committing to a deal.

It is evident that no team feels obligated to rescue the struggling Pistons from their predicament. In fact, the team's continued struggles may even work in their favor, as potential trade offers could improve as Detroit's embarrassment grows.

In the absence of immediate trade opportunities, the Pistons find themselves faced with limited options. They could choose to offload underperforming players in order to free up roster spots and potentially explore deals later. However, doing so would mean sacrificing the chance to include those players in upcoming trade discussions.

Joe Harris and James Wiseman are two high-priced players who have yet to make a significant impact for the Pistons this season. While it may be tempting to sever ties with them, their expiring contracts could prove valuable in future trades. Alternatively, the team could opt to cut ties with younger, marginal players like Killian Hayes or Isaiah Livers, who may not have a future with the organization.

The list of available players for the Pistons to consider is not particularly attractive, featuring names like TJ Warren, JaMychal Green, Darius Bazley, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Khem Birch, and Frank Kaminsky. The G League also presents limited options due to many players being locked into two-way contracts.

To make matters more frustrating, the Pistons have shown reluctance in giving their own two-way players adequate playing time. This raises questions about their willingness to explore G League options as well.

Despite the team's strong motivation to initiate change, the path to significant improvement remains unclear. Instead, the focus may need to shift towards maximizing the utilization of current talent. This includes making adjustments to the rotation, playing key players together, and staggering starters to maintain a functional offense.

As the NBA Trade Deadline approaches, the pressure is mounting for the Pistons to deliver on the promised change. However, it seems that the necessary moves and trade partners have not aligned just yet. With time running out, the Pistons must carefully assess their options and make strategic decisions to bring about the transformation they so desperately seek.