Other than the ongoing Jalen Duren saga, the Detroit Pistons had a largely uneventful offseason. Even though many were expecting fireworks from the Pistons' front office following a disappointing second-round exit in the playoffs, GM Trajan Langdon decided to make more marginal moves.
They essentially swapped Tobias Harris for John Collins and Isaiah Stewart and Caris LeVert for Isaiah Joe. It wasn't the blockbuster moves some were hoping for, but the Pistons upgraded their shooting, their most obvious need.
Understandably, though, this wasn't enough to catapult the Pistons into sure-fire title contender status in the eyes of NBA watchers. The Pistons should still be considered "one move away" from being a Tier 1 championship contender.
And that move could very well be Michael Porter Jr. The Brooklyn Nets sharpshooter has long been a rumored Pistons target. He fills an obvious need and was considered to be on the trade block, making him a favorite trade-machine target for Pistons fans.
These rumors have only intensified in recent weeks as the Nets and MPJ have failed to reach a contract extension. Nets insiders Erik Slater and Brian Lewis discussed Porter Jr.'s future in the latest episode of the Third Apron podcast.
There, Slater said Porter's Nets tenure "might be coming to a close," while Lewis said, "They can keep him past the trade deadline, but I'd be shocked if that happens."
MPJ is eligible for an extension now as he enters the final season of his contract. If the sides can't come to an agreement, one has to assume that Brooklyn will trade him rather than risk letting him walk for nothing next summer.
That is where the Pistons come in.
Should Detroit go for the 28-year-old forward?
It obviously depends on the price, but on paper, Porter Jr. could be the missing piece they need for the title run. He is one of the best shooters in the league. He combines a rare combination of size, volume, and accuracy. Getting that sort of production from the power forward position is not common in the NBA.
Plus, MPJ can do a lot more offensively than just shooting. He has taken steps as a passer and playmaker last season. He can also score efficiently inside the arc, both in the mid-range and around the basket via cuts. He has some defensive shortcomings, but he has enough size, strength, and rebounding chops that he is not a total liability there.
His $40.8 million salary for this season and the fact that he requires a new contract should raise some doubts for the Pistons. As long as there is an understanding of what it would take to retain MPJ in his new contract, this is a worthy gamble.
How would a trade for Michael Porter Jr. work?
The Pistons realistically have to wait until December 15, when players who signed new deals this summer become trade-eligible. This includes John Collins, Kevin Huerter, and Javonte Green.
To make salaries match, the Pistons have to include three of John Collins, Duncan Robinson, Isaiah Joe, Kevin Huerter, and Ron Holland. Depending on the combination of players here, they will have to include some sort of draft capital.
Collins, Huerter, Holland, and a first-round pick may be fair value for Porter Jr. on an expiring contract. Whether the Pistons will have any interest in doing so will depend on how they start the season and how the aforementioned players are playing. Until MPJ is traded or signs an extension, however, the Pistons will remain one of the top landing spots.
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