The Detroit Pistons made their first move of the NBA trade deadline as they dealt Jaden Ivey to the Chicago Bulls as part of a three-team trade that brought Kevin Huerter, Dario Saric and a 2026 first-round pick swap with the Minnesota Timberwolves back.
But, the Pistons may not be done just yet ahead of Thursday’s deadline.
The Pistons, reportedly, aren’t expected to make a major move while teams around them in the Eastern Conference have made more noise like the Cleveland Cavaliers acquiring James Harden and the Boston Celtics adding Nikola Vucevic.
But there’s still some time left for the Pistons to try and bolster their East-leading roster if president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon looks to do more. The team’s been fairly conservative in the trade market since he took over in 2024, but the Pistons have never been this poised to contend for top-of-the-market players.
They have all of their first-round draft capital for the next seven years and that newly-acquired pick swap to go with multiple expiring contracts for salary matching, the majority of their $14.1 million trade exception and some young talent that could sweeten a deal.
Huerter wasn’t high on the list of players linked to the Pistons over the past few weeks and while some like Jaren Jackson Jr. are already off the board, there can still be a lot of moving pieces as more moves get made.
Here’s some of the rumors that are swirling around the trade deadline:
Pistons inquired about wing with some familiarity
Detroit was among a group of teams to reach out about Dallas Mavericks wing Naji Marshall, amid a career season averaging 14.5 points, five rebounds and 2,9 assists per game. He’s a strong fit for Detroit’s play style, but he’s only shooting 30% from beyond the arc and might be a bit redundant in terms of the wings already on the roster outside a jump in ball-handling skills.
Langdon was the general manager of the New Orleans Pelicans who first signed Marshall to a two-way deal before signing him to a standard contract. The Mavericks are rumored to have an asking price of a first-round pick.
Potential reunion with former J.B. Bickerstaff guard
It’s been quiet around the Charlotte Hornets, who are enjoying a nice bump this season behind a core of young players, so far at the deadline. But the Pistons have been linked for nearly a month to 27-year-old Collin Sexton, who played under coach J.B. Bickerstaff in Cleveland for several years.
His volume’s down a bit as the likes of Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller are stepping into their roles, but Sexton is still averaging 14.2 points and 3,7 assists per game while shooting 49% from the field, 39% from three and 88% at the foul line.
With Sexton on an expiring contract, he would be a worthwhile rental to add more guard experience and solid shooter to help space the floor more for Detroit’s offense.
Michael Porter Jr.’s availability up in the air
One of the prized potential trade deadline pieces may not even be dealt this year as the Brooklyn Nets reportedly see a future with Michael Porter Jr. involved despite the team’s spot toward the bottom of the NBA.
The 27-year-old is having a career year as the primary scoring threat in Brooklyn, averaging 25.5 points on 48% shooting and a 39% rate from deep. The Pistons are rumored to be weighing a run at Porter, who is under contract through next season, but it would certainly be one of the richer deals Detroit is linked to at this point.
Lauri Markkanen appears to be staying put
One of the earliest trade rumors in the league was the potential for the Utah Jazz to trade Lauri Markkanen and that the Pistons were a fit. It soon emerged that trade talks would likely start with Detroit forward Ausar Thompson.
At such a hefty price, it seemed very unlikely a deal would be made, as Thompson has gone on to become a key defensive force for the Pistons, most recently winning Eastern Conference Player of the Month honors. When the Jazz traded for Jackson Jr., it was a good indication he’s not going anywhere and Utah will build around its new front court duo.
Pistons weighing a run at Michigan native
Alongside Detroit’s reported intrigue in a run at Porter, The Stein Line also mentioned the potential the Pistons go instead for Charlotte’s Miles Bridges. The Flint native and former Michigan State star would require at least a first-round pick and remain under contract through next season.
The 6-foot-7 wing’s dipped a bit in his production this season, but is still proving impactful averaging 18.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game, while shooting 44.7% from the field and 33% from three.