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Pistons Make Fascinating Deal for Polarizing All-Star Forward in Mock Trade Scenario

The Detroit Pistons took a big step forward this season on the backs of their veteran acquisitions. Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley, and Tim Hardaway Jr. played crucial roles as the Pistons had a 30-win improvement from the prior season.

Even though Detroit will understandably be interested in keeping its core together, including the three veterans, the front office should not be unwilling to [explore options to upgrade the roster.](https://detroitjockcity.com/pistons-land-perfect-marksman-pair-cade-cunningham-latest-projected-trade-01jxg70ra355)

Exploring the trade market for Harris makes sense after the veteran forward had a solid season. The 32-year-old played above expectations on both ends of the floor, silencing his doubters. However, he is entering the final year of his contract, set to make $26.6 million for next season. Instead of offering him a long-term extension or letting him walk in 2026, the Pistons should consider selling high on him.

Attaching draft capital to the salary of Harris could net the Pistons a high-level starter. In one potential trade scenario, Detroit could acquire All-Star power forward Julius Randle by sending Minnesota Harris and their 2026 first-round pick.

With this move, the Pistons get a younger and better power forward in Randle while only sacrificing one first-round pick.

The downside here is the fact that this would require signing Randle to a new contract. The veteran scorer will likely turn down his $30.9 million player option for next season in favor of a more lucrative, long-term deal.

With this new deal, he could be a part of a sign-and-trade to the Pistons. There is a chance that the contract will not be very team-friendly, but it is a risk worth considering for Detroit to take the next step in its evolution.

For the Timberwolves, the main appeal of this trade is the added financial flexibility. They add a first-round pick for a minor upgrade from Randle to Harris, while opening up future cap space by moving on from Randle.

Randle certainly has his flaws and is not a perfect player. However, he could be an excellent secondary scorer alongside Cade Cunningham and run the Pistons' offense when their superstar is on the bench. Whether this is a direction GM Trajan Langdon will choose to go remains to be seen.

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