The Detroit Pistons’ 3 Potential Trade Targets

Lauri Markkanen could add another legitimate scoring threat to the Pistons’ lineup, as Detroit saw firsthand recently. The ninth-year man from Arizona, who is averaging nearly 28 points per game this season, can create his own shot or operate as a catch-and-shoot threat. Markkanen is shooting 37 percent from three as well, so he could provide a significant boost in that department, as the Pistons are in the bottom ten in three-point percentage.

Markkanen has never played a playoff game in his almost decade-long career, so he is surely chomping at the bit to play more meaningful games. Joining this Detroit squad would likely be welcomed by all parties involved.

2) Domantas Sabonis

The Sacramento Kings are at the bottom of the barrel in the West and will likely be sellers at the trade deadline. Domantas Sabonis could very well be a veteran on the move, as the Kings head towards a rebuild. Sabonis is a stat sheet stuffer who averaged 19 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists last season.

The two-time All-NBA big man would not only add extra buckets and rebounding to the lineup, but also a secondary playmaker. That would take some of the pressure off Cunningham, who is the only Piston that is averaging more than three assists this year. Sabonis is currently dealing with a knee injury, but should be back on the court in late January. That would give Detroit a couple of weeks to see where he is before potentially making a move.

3) Jaren Jackson Jr.

The Pistons could opt to bring Jaren Jackson Jr. back to the state where he played his college ball if he becomes available. The former Michigan State Spartan may be on the move if the Memphis Grizzlies ultimately decide they want to break it all up. That seemed like a path they could take after trading Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic this summer, in a deal where the Grizzlies received four first-round picks.

As a near 20-point scorer, 36 percent three-point shooter, and former Defensive Player of the Year, Jackson would provide a significant upgrade on both ends of the court. The two-time blocks per game leader has also been returning to form in that category, averaging 3.8 blocks over the last four contests. Jackson could absolutely be the final piece to a Detroit team that is looking to make a deep playoff run this year.

End Of My Detroit Pistons Trade Target Rant

The common theme for each of these trade targets, as you can see, is that they basically play the same position. This Pistons squad has a somewhat similar build to the 2003-04 team. The current starters are an All-NBA point guard, an athletic defensive small forward, and a shooting guard who constantly moves and is lethal at the catch-and-shoot. Now, Duren is not the same defensive force that Ben Wallace was, but he is still a dominant big man in his own way.

As you may recall, the final piece to Detroit’s championship puzzle in 2004 was Rasheed Wallace, a scoring power forward who could also stretch the floor and defend. Markkanen does not fit the bill from a defensive aspect, but two out of three is not bad. Sabonis would provide more on defense, but Jackson is the best fit if the Pistons are searching for the best two-way option.

The package for any of these trades would likely involve Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey, and one or two first-round picks. With Harris aging, a good amount of wing and backcourt depth, and the picks expected to be late first-rounders, the Pistons can part ways with these pieces comfortably.

Any of them would probably be a great fit, though, and could help take Detroit to the next level. Adding the All-Star level stretch four could again be the last piece to a Pistons’ championship run.