The Detroit Pistons are in an interesting position ahead of this year's trade deadline with clear needs when it comes to a secondary scoring option and outside shooting. While the team currently holds the Eastern Conference's top seed, there is a real reason to wonder whether or not a meaningful move might be made in the next few weeks of the season. If the franchise does opt to bring in a notable addition, it is likely going to be a player that doesn't shake up the team's current core.
With this in mind, let's look at three potential trade fits that don't mess with the identity of the franchise and push them closer to the goals of making a surprise NBA Finals run. Starting with a talented shooter who is quickly catching league-wide attention for his improvement.
1. Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets are supposed to be tanking this year, and instead have already won 11 games so far this season. Much of this is due to the addition of Porter, who has wasted zero time proving that all the forward needed was more opportunity to put up impressive numbers. Porter is averaging 26 points while shooting 41.1 percent from 3-point range. It is impossible to find a more perfect option to add to Detroit's current core.
Cade Cunningham can remain the primary star while having a secondary option that can carry the offense for stretches. If there is one concern with the current Detroit team, it is the lack of knowing where your secondary scoring is going to come from each night. Porter changes this and allows you to take some of the pressure off your star players and key defenders.
Perimeter shooting is another area of concern that this potential trade boosts, making it all the more likely. Furthering the case is the fact that the Nets appear to need to part ways with a player who is simply making the team far too capable.
2. Jose Alvarado, New Orleans Pelicans
Is there a player in the league who fits Detroit's identity more than Jose Alvarado? If the Pistons simply want to make a minor move and avoid parting ways with major assets, it makes sense to target the point guard. While Alvarado is undersized, he plays with an incredible defensive intensity and has a penchant for coming up with surprise steals when you least expect it. Having another capable guard takes some of the pressure off Cunningham and allows you to keep other players fresh throughout the long 82-game regular season.
For the Pelicans, it seems that any player is up for discussion based on how poorly their season is going. Spending minor assets to acquire the defensive-minded guard would be a boost and not pull away any meaningful pieces from the Pistons' current roster.
Alvarado averages a steal a game and 7.9 points on a New Orleans team that is an offensive mess. For the Pistons, you're both giving the fan base a move to get excited about, furthering your defensive identity, and not spending any future assets of note. It is unquestionably a move that the franchise must explore at the very least.
3. Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks
Another low-cost move that improves your shooting off the bench as well as adds to the intensity of your defense. Portis is a physical player who isn't going to shy away from attempting to shut down any opposing matchup and would be a great bench piece for Detroit. Portis would help address the concerns with outside shooting, as well, knocking down 47.3 percent of his 3-point shots this season. For the Bucks, it makes sense to continue to part ways from the team's previous championship run as it attempts to retool around its star.
Portis can be given a fresh start with a real contender and have a chance to play meaningful minutes. The only issue here is finding contracts that match, making the deal a bit challenging for the Pistons. Regardless, if there is a reasonable path to getting the deal done, the Pistons shouldn't hesitate.
The forward is simply too perfect for what the Pistons are missing and would be a great addition to a roster focused on making a surprise championship run. Portis offers experience, leadership, and defensive intensity that could make the veteran the perfect overlooked trade target.