Blockbuster Mock Trade Has Pistons Landing Jazz Star for Package Headlined by Jaden Ivey, Tobias Harris

Now the Pistons will enter the new season with almost their entire core returning, though Beasley remains a free agent and they did lose both Dennis Schroder and Tim Hardaway Jr. in free agency.

Despite this, Detroit signed Duncan Robinson, Javonte Green and Caris LeVert this offseason to bolster their roster depth and with the East being weakened this season due to injuries to some key players, the Pistons are looking to fight for a top seed in the conference this season.

Pistons Could Target Lauri Markkanen to Add Another Star

While Detroit tries to clinch a top seed in the East this season, they could also look to upgrade their roster ahead of the trade deadline.

For the Pistons, they could look to make some minor additions to upgrade their depth, though they could also go after a star player thanks to their abundance of tradeable assets.

If the Pistons do elect to try and acquire another star player this season, one they could target is Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen.

Mock Trade Lands Pistons Lauri Markkanen From Jazz

In a potential trade, the Pistons could send Ivey, Harris, Paul Reed and draft capital to the Jazz in exchange for Markkanen.

With Utah’s high asking price for their star forward, it is likely that the Pistons will have to include multiple first-round picks in this trade.

For Detroit, it would be a tough decision to move on from Ivey, who played very well last season before suffering a severe leg injury, along with Harris was a key veteran for them last season.

Despite this, swapping them for Markkanen would give the Pistons another star player to add to their core of Cunningham, Thompson and Duren and could make them into a title contender this season.

Markkanen is a great scorer, rebounder and defender who could fit well next to Duren in the frontcourt and would also likely take the pressure off Cunningham on the offensive end.

Last season, the 28-year-old forward averaged 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 42.3% from the field and 34.6% from three.

While Markkanen could be a solid addition to Detroit’s roster, his injury history could impact how much interest they show in him as he has played in more than 65 games in a season just twice during his eight-year career.

Despite this, the Pistons may look to take a chance on the star forward this season with the Jazz looking to move him and if they are able to acquire him, Detroit may be a serious championship contender this season.