On paper, the Detroit Pistons have a 5.5-game lead over the second seed in the Eastern Conference and look like a great bet to make a deep postseason run. It may seem like they have little reason to take a risk and change things up at the trade deadline. In reality, the Pistons' offense has been a disaster lately and is in desperate need of upgrades. Detroit has the 17th-best offensive rating in the NBA since January 1, and if the front office doesn't make a move to address it, it will come back to bite them in the playoffs.
So far, signs point towards the Pistons largely standing pat at the deadline. There has been some speculation about players the Pistons are supposedly interested in, but nothing has materialized so far. If GM Trajan Langdon & Co. decide to go for it between now and the February 5 trade deadline, they have enough assets in terms of intriguing young talent and draft capital to go after anyone on the trade block.
Let's explore who would actually be the best fit.
1- Trey Murphy III, SF, New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans are reportedly playing hardball with offers for Murphy. Considering how well the 25-year-old small forward has been playing, you can't blame them. Not only has Murphy taken a massive step forward this season, but he is also in the first year of a very team-friendly four-year, $112 million contract.
Murphy is exactly what the Pistons need. He is an elite 3-point shooter, both in terms of volume and accuracy. But he can do a lot more with the ball than most quality shooters. He can get to the basket, make good decisions off the dribble, and use great athleticism to finish around the rim. Defensively, he can hold his own against most perimeter players thanks to his 6'8" frame, long wingspan, and mobility.
It would likely take at least three first-round picks for the Pelicans to move on from Murphy. Jaden Ivey, plus a matching salary in the form of Duncan Robinson or Caris LeVert, also has to be included. The Pistons may find that too costly, but if they can pull this deal off without giving up Ron Holland and Ausar Thompson, they should seriously consider it.
2- Lauri Markkanen, PF, Utah Jazz
Markkanen is an even better fit than Murphy thanks to his size and position. The Pistons need a long-term starter at power forward, and Markkanen is the ideal option thanks to his shooting, scoring, and defensive versatility.
The reasons the Utah Jazz man falls lower on this list than Murphy are that he is three years older, makes significantly more money, and may cost the Pistons more to acquire him. Markkanen makes $46.3 million this season and is under contract for three more seasons after this. Utah is reportedly looking for a massive haul to move Markkanen. Not only would Detroit need to include Tobias Harris and two more players to match salaries, but it would likely need to include either multiple first-round picks or one of Holland or Thompson.
At this point in the season, that may be too radical a change in the rotation and too many assets to give up.
3- Michael Porter Jr., SF, Brooklyn Nets
Porter would cost significantly less than both Markkanen and Murphy. The Brooklyn Nets will likely be fine with moving MPJ for an unprotected future first-round pick. Since Porter makes $38.3 million this season, the Pistons almost certainly have to include Tobias Harris in the deal. A Harris, Jaden Ivey, and an unprotected first-round pick package should seal the deal for the Pistons, but this move doesn't come without its risks.
The 27-year-old forward is one of the best shooters of his position. He hits 39.8 percent of his whopping 9.6 3-point attempts per game. He can get his shot over anybody thanks to his height. He is a good cutter off the ball and finishes well around the basket. His defensive deficiencies, however, remain.
The Pistons have to consider whether jeopardizing their defensive identity by adding another negative defender to the rotation is worth it for the offensive upgrade. Given how desperately the team needs more spacing, the answer may be clear.
4- Jaren Jackson Jr., C, Memphis Grizzlies
A player who will certainly not jeopardize Detroit's defensive identity is Jaren Jackson Jr. The Memphis Grizzlies are seemingly headed to a rebuild after making Ja Morant available at the deadline. They will have little incentive to keep JJJ once Morant is out.
With the combination of shooting, scoring, and defensive chops, Jackson is an excellent fit in Detroit. One of the most versatile defenders in the league, Jackson can also be the secondary scorer next to Cade Cunningham while providing spacing for him. His fit next to Jalen Duren is very enticing.
The problem here is that Jackson is about to start a massive extension in the 2026-27 season. Making $49 million next season and climbing to a player option for $53.5 million in the 2029-30 season, Jackson's contract could end up being a negative asset. If the Pistons are going to give up significant draft capital to acquire him, it may be too big a risk to take at this point.
5- Herb Jones, SG, New Orleans Pelicans
This week, it was reported that the Pistons were interested in Pelicans guard Herb Jones. While Jones is a valuable role player, especially defensively, he is not what Detroit is looking for, since it will require at least one first-round pick to acquire him from New Orleans.
The Pistons desperately need more shooting. Jones is an unreliable shooter. His offensive game leaves plenty to be desired, and he is in the midst of the least efficient season of his career. He is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, but that is a redundant skill on this Pistons team.
If the Pistons aren't going to add a player with some offensive juice, they will be better off standing pat at the deadline.