The Detroit Pistons are the hottest team in the NBA, having won 11 straight. They have a three-game lead over the second-seeded Cavs for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Understandably, Pistons fans have begun to aim high, especially with how wide open the East looks. This means that between now and the trade deadline in February, there will be a ton of calls from the fanbase about the need to make one more move to upgrade the roster for a deep playoff run.
December 15 will be a crucial date for trade possibilities. Free agents who signed a new deal will be eligible to be traded on this date. This list includes Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert, and Javonte Green for the Pistons, as well as a ton of key trade candidates around the league. This opens up trade opportunities for Detroit as they look to become a sure-fire contender.
Trey Murphy Should Be Pistons' Ideal Trade Target After December 15
Who is actually available on the trade market will be made more obvious closer to the deadline, but the dream target for the Pistons should be Trey Murphy of the New Orleans Pelicans.
Detroit desperately needs more shooting. Their ideal addition would be someone who can provide that without jeopardizing their elite defense. Murphy does exactly that. The 25-year-old small forward is a career 38.3% three-point shooter on high volume. He is once again around that mark on 7.9 attempts per game. He is averaging 19.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.7 steals per game on 62.0% True Shooting. The best part is that he is not just a shooting specialist. He is an improved driver, playmaker, and a mid-range shooter who would be an excellent fit as a second fiddle on the perimeter for Cade Cunningham.
Murphy makes $25 million this season and is under contract for three more seasons. It will therefore require a massive offer to poach him from the Pelicans. However, New Orleans is 2-13 and isn't going anywhere. A monster offer with multiple unprotected first-round picks should be enough to entice them. To make matters perhaps more favorable, Pistons legend Joe Dumars is currently in charge there.
The Pistons can match salaries by including Tobias Harris in addition to draft capital. Another option would be combining two of Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert, and Jaden Ivey. The inclusion of Ivey could perhaps be enough of a sweetener for the Pelicans to consider moving on from Murphy.
Lauri Markkanen is everyone's favorite trade target for the Pistons. He would be an excellent addition, but whether he will be available remains to be seen. Murphy would be an equally big get for the Pistons and would certainly cost less.