The Detroit Pistons have to carry the momentum they built last season into next season. While a 30-win improvement was impressive in J.B. Bickerstaff's first season as a head coach, the Pistons still have work to do to become a true title contender. Detroit has a ton of young talent and decent depth, but lacks a second star next to Cade Cunningham. A trade for Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz has the potential to be a win-win deal for both sides.
While Tobias Harris performed above expectations since returning to Detroit, he will soon turn 33 and is on an expiring contract. The Pistons need to find a long-term solution at power forward. Markkanen not only solves that, but he also provides the shooting and secondary shot creation the Pistons desperately need.
Since Markkanen had a down season in 2024-25, Detroit may be willing to buy low on the former All-Star. Sending two unprotected first-round picks, along with Harris and Isaiah Stewart to match salaries, may be enough for Jazz decision-maker Danny Ainge to part ways with Markkanen.
Despite finishing with the worst record in the league, Utah fell to the fifth-overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. They are still in the early stages of their rebuild and are nowhere near making the playoffs, especially in the loaded Western Conference. They have absolutely no need for Markkanen, making him the perfect trade candidate this summer.
Markkanen just turned 28 and is under contract for four more seasons. He has positional versatility, being able to play stretch five when needed, but can also slide down to small forward thanks to quick feet, athleticism, and shooting. His off-ball gravity could create driving lanes for Cunningham and Ausar Thompson.
When he is not providing much-needed spacing with his shooting, Markkanen can create on the ball. He can carry the team's offense while Cunningham is on the bench. During his three seasons in Utah, Markkanen has averaged 23 points on an impressive 62% True Shooting while taking eight threes per game and hitting over 38% of them.
Even though it would hurt Pistons fans to part ways with Harris and Isaiah Stewart, Markkanen is a clear upgrade who would help catapult Detroit into the next echelon of contenders. If he can be acquired by only two first-round picks, the Pistons should seriously consider it.