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What Pistons can do to address one concern at NBA trade deadline

Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

What Pistons can do to address one major concern at NBA trade deadline

By Kenneth Ray Jr. | Last updated Jan 30, 2026 5:58 PM ET

As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Detroit Pistons are 34-12, first in the Eastern Conference and poised to make a deep playoff run come April. But some NBA analysts believe the Pistons’ lack of three-point shooting is a fatal flaw that will rear its ugly head in the postseason and cut their anticipated run short.

Perhaps the Pistons should look to trade for a proven shooter like Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz or the Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter, Jr., to address this glaring weakness.

The Pistons are below average from downtown

According to teamrankings.com, the NBA league average for three-point FG shooting is 35.9%, and the Pistons are shooting 34.7%, which ranks 21st. In 34 wins, they are shooting 36.5% (above average), but in their 12 losses, they are shooting only 29.8% (below average). In eight of their 12 losses, opponents have outshot the Pistons from beyond the arc, and it has gotten worse lately. In their last four losses, the Pistons have shot a miserable 30-of-122 (24.6%). In their Jan. 29 loss to the Phoenix Suns, they were only 6-of-29 (20.7%).

Three-point FG shooting in Pistons' losses (2025-26)
#	Opponent	Date	Pistons %	Opponent %	Lost by
1	Bulls	10/22	29.2%	36.7%	4
2	Cavs	10/27	32.4%	31.4%	21
3	Celtics	11/26	30.6%	46.5%	3
4	Magic	11/28	39.3%	16.7%	3
5	Bucks	12/03	32.6%	29.5%	4
6	Mavs	12/18	18.2%	18.5%	2
7	Jazz	12/26	48.6%	47.4%	2
8	Clippers	12/28	24.1%	41.2%	13
9	Heat	01/01	34.6%	35.9%	6
10	Clippers	01/10	22.9%	35.5%	6
11	Rockets	01/23	21.9%	34.6%	7
12	Suns	01/29	20.7%	38.2%	18
Source: Basketball-Reference.com

Pistons' top three-point shooter is mired in a slump

The Pistons signed sharpshooter Duncan Robinson last offseason to assume the role of three-point specialist, and though he leads the team in three-point FG percentage (39.0% on 318 attempts), his recent production has been disappointing. In his past five games, he is 10 for 37 (27.0%), including an abysmal 0-of-8 in a 109-107 win versus the Denver Nuggets, and 1-of-6 in a crushing 114-96 loss to Phoenix.

A trade comes with risks

Markkanen (36.9%) and Porter, Jr. (39.8%) have both been decent long-range shooters this season, but acquiring either would likely mean parting ways with veteran power forward Tobias Harris and/or shooting guard Jaden Ivey and their expiring contracts. Moving on from Harris, who has established himself as a leader, mentor and positive locker room presence among the Pistons' young core, would strike a serious blow to team chemistry, a risk GM Trajan Langdon or head coach J.B. Bickerstaff may not be willing to take.

The answer may be on the Pistons’ bench

Ivey has proven to be an excellent three-point option if given the opportunity. In 30 games last season before his injury, Ivey shot a sizzling 40.9% from downtown on 154 attempts. It might be time to ramp up his minutes to see if he can return to form.

Will the Pistons make a move for more shooting or ride with their young, talented, defense-first roster? With the trade deadline on Feb. 5, the world will know soon.

Kenneth Ray Jr.

Kenneth Ray, Jr., is a Kansas City native and a longtime fan of the Chiefs and Royals. A former college basketball player, he has a deep appreciation for the talent and athleticism of professional athletes and an enduring love for sports history. As a writer, he creates engaging narratives that are precise, informative, and insightful.

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