The Detroit Pistons are the Eastern Conference leaders as of Monday evening, and look like a safe bet to make a deep postseason run. To be considered a favorite to make the NBA Finals, however, they may still be one piece away. That piece doesn't necessarily need to be a superstar for the Pistons to take that next step, but it doesn't hurt to dream big.
There are plenty of stars who may be available on the trade block between now and the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Armed with an arsenal of first-round picks and intriguing young talent, the Pistons can be a serious candidate to make a big splash on the trade market. Here are the four best trade targets every Pistons fan should be dreaming about.
1. Trey Murphy, SF/PF — New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans have the worst record in the league and will likely enter a full rebuild at the trade deadline. On paper, Murphy fits their timeline as a 25-year-old do-it-all wing, so they may be hesitant to move him. So, the Pistons may have to bowl them over with an offer.
Perhaps this means that they would have to include one of Jaden Ivey or Ron Holland (assuming Ausar Thompson isn't available) in the deal, but this could be a worthy gamble for Murphy, who is in the midst of a career season, averaging 20.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. He is the perfect three-and-D wing that the Pistons lack.
2. Lauri Markkanen, PF/SF — Utah Jazz
Markkanen has long been considered an option for the Pistons at the trade deadline. The Utah Jazz forward is having a bounce-back season, increasing his trade value. Notably hard negotiator Danny Ainge is in charge in Utah and will ask for a haul.
Considering how perfect a fit Markkanen is in Detroit, the Pistons should seriously consider it. It would require multiple first-round picks, and one of Ivey and Holland, as well as Tobias Harris, for salary-matching purposes. But Markkanen's ability to play on and off the ball and work as a secondary creator without causing any issues on the defensive end makes him a fascinating option.
3. Jaren Jackson Jr., PF/C — Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies haven't made Jackson available yet, but signs are pointing towards a rebuild in Memphis. They already moved on from Desmond Bane in the offseason, Ja Morant is nowhere to be seen, and the Grizzlies are below .500. If they get a competitive offer for Jackson before the deadline, they would be hard-pressed to turn it down.
Jackson's ability to play both power forward and center makes him an intriguing long-term fit next to Jalen Duren. Jackson can space the floor next to Duren, while being the primary rim protector on the defensive end. A Jackson-Duren-Isaiah Stewart frontcourt would immediately be the best big man rotation in the league.
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF/C
This is the no-brainer dream target. The latest reports suggest that the "Greek Freak" and the Milwaukee Bucks are discussing his future, suggesting that he may be made available during the season. Antetokounmpo has only shown an interest in playing for the New York Knicks so far, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer, but once he hits the market, all bets will be off.
Detroit has historically not been near the top of the list for superstars asking to be traded. However, this is a different Pistons team. They are among the favorites in the Eastern Conference, and if they were to acquire Giannis, they would be the title favorite behind the Oklahoma City Thunder. If Antetokounmpo is serious about playing for a contender, he would have a hard time finding a better option than the Pistons.
Plus, the Pistons can make an extremely competitive offer to the Bucks. A combination of Thompson, Ivey, and Holland, in addition to multiple unprotected first-round picks, will make the Pistons' offer hard to turn down for Milwaukee.