The Detroit Pistons made a lot of changes to the roster this summer, but the splashy move the fans have been hoping for never came. GM Trajan Langdon added some shooting, which was the most important need, to be sure, but whether the overall quality of the team significantly improved is another question.
At this point, it seems like once the Pistons re-sign Jalen Duren, that will be it for them this offseason. While that would still put them near the top in the Eastern Conference, the Pistons have to aim bigger. And that requires swinging big for a high-level starter like Trey Murphy.
It's not ideal but the Pistons have to give away the farm for Trey Murphy
The Pelicans forward has been at the top of the list of trade targets for Detroit all summer, but nothing materialized. The main obstacle in front of the trade is believed to be the Pelicans' high asking price.
Lead decision-maker in New Orleans, Joe Dumars, is reportedly seeking three first-round picks for Murphy. In some reports, the price tag has even been described as a Desmond Bane-level trade package. The Grizzlies had sent Bane to Orlando last summer for four first-round picks, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and a pick swap.
This obviously seems like a lot to give up for Murphy. Rather than looking at the player quality in a vacuum, the Pistons have to realize that acquiring Murphy could put them among the Tier 1 of title contenders. If you can acquire the missing player in your championship pursuit, you do it regardless of the price, and Murphy can be that player for the Pistons.
Just think about when the Knicks traded for Mikal Bridges. The draft capital they gave up was heavily criticized. But they thought that he was the missing piece for their title aspirations, and they were proven right.
Reading between the lines, one has to assume that the Pistons can acquire Murphy for a package consisting of Duncan Robinson, Ron Holland, and three first-round picks. Giving up Holland isn't ideal, but it may be necessary for salary-matching purposes in this trade. Alternatively, the Pistons can wait until the season starts and Kevin Huerter becomes trade-eligible to include him instead.
What makes Murphy the perfect fit isn't only his on-court contributions. Not only is he an elite shooter and off-ball player, but he also aligns well with Detroit's timeline and salary structure. Murphy is 26 years old and is on one of the most team-friendly contracts in the league.
The Pistons would have Murphy under contract for three more seasons for an average of $29 million per year. Given the lucrative contracts Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren will presumably both be on, that type of team-friendly deal for a quality starter for multiple seasons will give Detroit much-needed flexibility.
If Detroit pulls this trade off, there will be sticker shock at first. They may even be criticized for overpaying, but the Pistons are one piece away from contending, and Murphy may be the best-fitting piece.
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