Cade Cunningham finished seventh in NBA MVP voting while helping the Detroit Pistons to their first playoff win in 17 years.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 19: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons in action in Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 19, 2025 in New York City.
The Detroit Pistons continue navigating an offseason full of championship aspirations and strategic decisions. After their historic playoff return last season, the front office faces a pivotal choice: stay the course with their promising young core or make the blockbuster move that transforms Detroit into a legitimate title contender.
One clear target has emerged from the trade rumor mill: Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz.
According to Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, the Pistons represent a logical landing spot for the $185 million Jazz star — and the proposed trade framework makes compelling sense for both sides.
Markkanen Addresses Pistons’ Biggest Need
Markkanen is exactly what Detroit needs: a floor-spacer who can operate between Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren while serving as a safety valve for Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey when the offense stalls.
The Pistons’ playoff run against the New York Knicks highlighted a clear problem — Cunningham carried too heavy an offensive burden. Getting Ivey healthy and adding Caris LeVert helps, but acquiring a 7-footer who can shoot, cut, and create his own offense would completely change Detroit’s attack.
The 28-year-old averaged 19.0 points and 5.9 rebounds while shooting 34.6% from three last season. His size creates mismatches across the floor, and his All-Star pedigree (2023 Most Improved Player) shows he can thrive in the right environment.
The proposed starting five would feature Cunningham, Ivey, Thompson, Markkanen, and Duren — with LeVert and Duncan Robinson bolstering the depth.
The Trade Framework
Swartz’s proposed deal:
Detroit Pistons receive: Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz receive: Tobias Harris, Ron Holland II, Marcus Sasser, 2026 first-round pick (unprotected), 2028 first-round pick (unprotected)
Detroit would be parting with Holland — the No. 5 overall pick who impressed in Summer League — but this is the type of aggressive swing championship teams take. The Pistons have the assets to compete with any offer, while Utah gains draft capital and young talent for their rebuild.
Why Utah Makes This Deal
The Jazz may be the only Western Conference team openly leaning into a tank. Their young roster isn’t ready to contend, and they have strong incentive to bottom out — Utah owes its 2026 first-round pick to Oklahoma City unless it lands in the top eight.
Trading Markkanen virtually guarantees Utah keeps that pick in a loaded draft. They also add two unprotected firsts and Holland, who averaged 21.7 points and 4.0 steals in Summer League while shooting 46.7% from three. Harris’ $26.6 million expiring contract provides additional flexibility heading into free agency.
What Comes Next for the Pistons?
For a franchise that’s endured over a decade of mediocrity, this is the kind of calculated gamble that could accelerate their rise. The question isn’t whether Markkanen makes the Pistons better — it’s whether he makes them good enough to justify the steep price.
Moving Holland would sting, but Detroit’s foundation is ahead of schedule. Adding a proven All-Star could shift them from a fun playoff story into a legitimate contender.
With their young core showing promise and the Eastern Conference wide open, the Pistons may not have a better chance to strike. Markkanen could be the piece that transforms Detroit from up-and-coming challenger to genuine championship threat.