The Detroit Pistons will surely be aggressive this offseason to upgrade their roster. After coming up short in the playoffs, they are looking to swing big to find a running mate for Cade Cunningham. Fortunately, they have sufficient financial flexibility, assets, and draft capital to chase any big name on the trade block.
Out of all the stars expected to be available this summer, who are the most likely trade targets for the Pistons? Let's go from crazy to realistic.
5. Kawhi Leonard
On paper, a trade centered around Leonard between the Clippers and the Pistons makes a ton of sense. Detroit has the draft capital and young players to help kickstart a rebuild in LA. The Pistons add a true superstar and offensive engine without sacrificing any of their defensive identity.
In reality, it's hard to see Leonard approving a deal to Detroit. He is entering the final year of his contract and is eligible for an extension. This gives him some leverage to dictate where he wants to go.
Given how he left Toronto after winning a title there to be closer to home in California, he is unlikely to put his thumb on the scale to come to Detroit in the final few years of his career.
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo
If the Greek Freak wants to prioritize winning above all else, he won't find a better situation than the Pistons. It's just unclear what he wants to do. The Knicks, Warriors, and the Heat seem like the favorites to land him.
It's not even obvious whether Giannis would be a great option for the Pistons. He would be incredibly costly to acquire. The Pistons would have to sacrifice a ton from their future to bring in a 31-year-old non-shooter who has rarely been healthy at the end of the season in recent years.
Plus, his fit next to Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson is dubious. One of those players may have to head to Milwaukee in this deal, and that may be too much to swallow for the Pistons front office. Detroit may be more interested in a No. 2 option who can shoot.
3. Julius Randle
The Minnesota Timberwolves power forward is one of the most likely players to be traded this summer. Minnesota is facing a financial cliff, and they have to get cheaper as soon as possible. Randle's $33.3 million salary for next season is a prime candidate to be moved, especially after the disastrous playoffs he just had.
The Pistons are a natural landing spot. Detroit could use a starting power forward and have Tobias Harris come off the bench.
Randle is a very good regular-season player, but his playoff struggles should raise alarm bells in Detroit. The Pistons are trying to be a title contender, and Randle hasn't proven himself to be a championship-caliber player due to his inconsistent effort and poor defense.
This is likelier than the previous names on this list because it wouldn't cost much for the Pistons, and they have the flexibility to acquire him. This doesn't mean that it wouldn't be a big mistake.
2. Trey Murphy
The New Orleans Pelicans sharpshooter has long been connected to the Detroit Pistons. He was considered a possibility at the trade deadline, but neither the Pistons nor the Pelicans seemed too interested in getting the deal over the finish line.
After Detroit's offense struggled due to a lack of shooting, Murphy's name will come up once again. The appeal of Murphy is the fact that he is only 25 years old and is on a team-friendly contract. He can grow with the Pistons' core and not create financial issues going forward. He raises the team's offensive ceiling thanks to his shooting without making the defense worse.
Murphy will cost a pretty penny. The Pistons will have to give up multiple unprotected first-round picks and matching salary (likely in the form of Caris LeVert and Ron Holland) to acquire him. If this trade happens, people will be surprised by how much the Pistons have to give up, but considering Murphy's excellent fit, age, and contract, it may be worth it.
1. Michael Porter Jr.
Whether MPJ would be the best player for Detroit to acquire is up for debate, but he is certainly one of the most likely future Pistons.
The 27-year-old checks multiple boxes for the Pistons. He could be the starting power forward in Detroit for a long time. He would immediately be the best shooter and off-ball threat on the team, opening up driving lanes for Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson, and space for Jalen Duren in the paint.
Porter Jr.'s contract isn't ideal as he is due $40.8 million next season, but it expires after only one season. The Pistons could treat is a one-year evaluation period before deciding on how much they want to invest in him. Since he is an expiring contract, the Brooklyn Nets would presumably not ask for too much in a trade. He should be acquirable with a single first-round pick.
If a deal for a true star doesn't materialize for the Pistons in the trade market, MPJ is a good backup plan. Detroit would still be able to hold onto most of its assets and draft capital to continue to look for other upgrades going forward.
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