After being at or near the very bottom of the NBA standings for the last five seasons, the Detroit Pistons are finally back in the playoff hunt. Cade Cunningham as arrived as a franchise player, and the young supporting cast around him is finally starting to come into their own.
With the belief that Detroit Basketball can finally be back after years of being nothing more than an afterthought, the Pistons--who have cap room--are expected to be big players this offseason. Casually, they have been linked to Kevin Durant, although if they do make a big move this summer, expect them to take advantage of a team still in the rebuilding boat.
In a recent proposal by *Bleacher Report's*Greg Swartz, the Pistons would strike a deal with the Utah Jazz, who are still a few years away from any meaningful competition. The Pistons would have to sacrifice some young talent, but it's hard to imagine them not being contenders if this deal happens.
Swartz suggested the Pistons part with Jaden Ivey, Ron Holland, Isaiah Stewart, Tobias Harris, and a first-round pick in exchange for Lauri Markkanen and Collin Sexton, who would immediately be starters in Detroit's rotation and continue to facilitate Cunningham's improvement.
"A 35-28 record this season even with Ivey sidelined with a broken leg should have the Pistons eyeing some big win-now trades this summer," Swartz wrote. "Markkanen will be trade-eligible this offseason and would be the perfect starting power forward to place alongside players like Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Ausar Thompson with his scoring and floor-spacing ability."
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The Pistons would keep core depth pieces like Malik Beasley, Marcus Sasser, and Simone Fontecchio in the deal, and would certainly take a step forward with an improved roster. The Jazz, meanwhile, have the young talent to continue to rebuild.
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This story was originally published March 11, 2025 at 4:09 PM.