The Detroit Pistons have established themselves as a powerhouse in the league and certainly in the Eastern Conference this season. The Pistons currently hold the best record in the East, tallying a 27-9 record.
Detroit is far from the pushover many have been accustomed to for the past decade-plus as they are now an elite team led by young, up-and- coming star guard Cade Cunningham. After reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2019 last season, the Pistons are looking to become a title contender year in and year out.
The Pistons have the pieces to do just that; however, they may lack another offensive piece that can take them over the top. It’s unclear how the Pistons will approach the trade deadline and whether or not they’d want to shake up their roster. If they do decide to make a trade, Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report predicts that Detroit will target $238 million All-Star big man from the Utah Jazz, Lauri Markkanen.
Bailey predicts the Pistons will add an offensive star and he believes that it could be Markkanen.
“The Detroit Pistons are first in the East, but it’d still be hard to pick them over more experienced teams like the New York Knicks or Boston Celtics (assuming Jayson Tatum is back by then) in a playoff series.
“The typical aging curve demands a few more speed bumps before the real breakout for title contention. The Oklahoma City Thunder crushed that trend last season, but that feels like more of an exception than a new rule.
“Still, Detroit is close. And with one more big-time scorer in the lineup to take a little pressure off Cade Cunningham, the Pistons could skip some steps too.
“With plenty of movable salaries and draft picks, they could realistically chase options like Lauri Markkanen or Michael Porter Jr. to be that scorer.
“Before February, they’ll pull off just that kind of move.”
Markkanen has been at the top of many team’s list and the Pistons could certainly be in the mix for him. The Jazz would likely want a massive pakcage for the All-Star big man who is playing great basketball this season. In 30 games this season, the 28-year-old is averaging 27.7 points per game, 6.8 rebounds, 2.1 assist and 1.1 steals while shooting 47.7 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from three.
The Pistons could greatly benefit from adding a player like Markkanen, given their need for shooting. However, the Jazz would likely want the Pistons’ young star, Ausar Thompson, in return, which makes a deal difficult for both sides.
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