All signs are pointing towards an aggressive offseason for the Detroit Pistons. In desperate need of more shooting, playmaking, and scoring this summer, the Pistons are reportedly pursuing significant upgrades in the trade market.
The latest reporting by NBA insider Marc Stein confirmed that the Pistons are actively chasing Trey Murphy and Kyrie Irving. This is not surprising as both names have been regularly discussed in the media and among Pistons fans as potential trade targets. Stein said that the Mavs may be hesitant to move Irving this summer despite interest from the Pistons and the Timberwolves.
This makes a Murphy trade more likely for the Pistons. Unfortunately for Detroit, however, the trade interest in the Pelicans forward "remains intense," per Stein.
The Pistons are reportedly not alone in their pursuit of the 25-year-old sharpshooter. The Indiana Pacers are also interested in Murphy. Stein's reporting suggests that there may be even more teams involved in the sweepstakes.
Per the report, the Pelicans continue to demand a lot in a potential trade, but they are "truly willing to field offers" for the first time.
Should the Pistons go all-in on Trey Murphy?
This is a tricky situation for the Pistons. On one hand, losing your top trade target to a fellow contender in the Eastern Conference is obviously not ideal. On the other hand, it sounds like the asking price for Murphy may be very high. Should the Pistons overpay for Murphy not only because he fills an obvious need, but also so that the Pacers don't acquire him?
The Pistons can make a stronger offer than the Pacers in a bidding war. Indiana already spent significant resources in the Ivica Zubac trade and can only trade two first-round picks. They can include pick swaps and second-round picks, but the Pistons definitely have better draft picks to offer.
Indiana has decent players that they can offer, but the Pistons have them beat there as well. The Pacers' strongest offer would be Andrew Nembhard plus draft capital, but they could also include a combination of Obi Toppin, Aaron Nesmith, and TJ McConnell instead.
Even though they are all valuable role players, there isn't a a young player with upside in that group.
The Pistons can include Ron Holland, Isaiah Stewart, and multiple first-round picks and have the better offer.
This partly depends on what the Pelicans prioritize. If they want to stay as competitive as possible, perhaps they will want Nembhard or Nesmith from Indiana. If they prefer future assets, nobody can beat the Pistons' package.
Regardless of whether the Pistons end up trading for Murphy or not, it's a great sign that GM Trajan Langdon is being so aggressive. Who this will end up bringing to Detroit remains to be seen.
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