The Detroit Pistons need more shooting, a fact that has been reflected in recent trade rumors and one they may need to address at the upcoming deadline.
There have been three names consistently attached to Detroit in Lauri Markkanen, Trey Murphy III and Michael Porter Jr., who many see as the most realistic option for the Pistons given the cost.
Bleacher Report once again named these three as top trade targets for the Pistons, though there has been no reported action involving any of them. These are names we’ve discussed before, but with recent injuries taking out Tobias Harris, the Pistons may have to speed up the process.
Each of these players comes with a skill the Pistons need, but there is one who stands out as the most realistic option.
Lauri Markkanen has played his way out of the Pistons’ range
Markkanen has been so good this season that the Jazz are now signaling that they’d rather build around him than start over by trading him.
That could all be a front, but it’s a solid indication that it would take a monster offer to pry Markkanen away from Utah, a place he reportedly likes.
When you factor in his injury history and salary, he is not only the costliest but also potentially the riskiest. I do not see any way this happens.
Trey Murphy III is best for the timeline, but won’t come cheap
TMIII is a timeline fit as a guy who is still just 25 years old. He’s also someone Trajan Langdon is well familiar with after drafting him, but he won’t be easy to pry away.
The Pelicans don’t have much motivation to tank considering they don’t have a first-round pick in 2026, and TMIII is locked into a relatively team-friendly deal, so they’d have to be heavily persuaded to move him.
The Pistons would certainly have to include one of their young players plus multiple picks and swaps, as New Orleans is reportedly looking for a deal similar to the one Memphis got for Desmond Bane.
That’s a steep cost but one that may be worth at least investigating, as he’d be a long-term solution on a relatively cheap deal.
Michael Porter Jr. may be the most cost-effective option for the Pistons
The idea of Michael Porter Jr. to the Pistons is picking up steam even though there have not been any reported discussions.
If the Pistons are looking for maximum impact without giving up a young player, then MPJ may be the best option, as they could feasibly get him for Harris, LeVert and a couple of picks. That depends on how the market shapes up, and it may be a substantial one, as Golden State headlines several teams that could be interested in MPJ’s services.
Not only would he cost the least in terms of trade assets, but he’s only locked into one more year, so wouldn’t destroy any long-term plans. In fact, his huge expiring contract could end up being the bedrock of a big trade next offseason if the Pistons decide to make one.
There are certainly other options, but these are the three we’re likely to hear the most about as the trade deadline approaches.