The Detroit Pistons could be given the opportunity to take a deep look at Paolo Banchero in the first round, a future trade target that would be an ideal pairing alongside Cade Cunningham.
Detroit's first-round opponent has yet to be decided, but with the NBA Play-In Tournament down to a battle between the Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets, the team's future matchup is close to being unveiled.
Obviously, the duel between Orlando and Charlotte could go either way, especially with the Magic's inconsistent play over the course of the regular season. While Detroit may have a preference for which team poses the easier challenge, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff will be preparing for both possibilities.
In the midst of his preperation, though, Bickerstaff may have the opportunity to scout a future target that could be the perfect fit next to their MVP candidate.
Paolo Banchero's future in Orlando seems cloudy
Paolo Banchero is one of the driving forces behind the Magic's rise in the Eastern Conference, but he's also been one of the scapegoats for the team's struggles throughout this season.
The former Duke star has regressed this year, averaging 22.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, down 3.7 points per game from last year's 25.9 average.
In Orlando's play-in loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, Banchero's 18 points on 7-for-22 shooting, combined with his six turnovers, only fed into the frustration for a fanbase who's repeatedly grown impatient with the lack of a presence in the biggest games from their star.
And while there's no saying that the Magic are looking to move on from the versatile forward right now, if the team continues to stall when the postseason comes, eventually they'll be forced to shake things up.
If that time ever does come, Banchero would be the perfect fit in the Motor City.
Banchero would be the perfect complement to Cade Cunningham
Detroit's biggest weakness has been the lack of reliable playmaking and scoring outside of Cunningham.
A playmaker like Banchero would answer both of those questions seamlessly and it would give the Pistons an answer in the frontcourt that would not only take the pressure off of their star guard but open up even more opportunities for players like Jalen Duren.
The price for Banchero likely wouldn't be cheap, but if there was any blockbuster swing Detroit should consider, it would be for a young star who's yet to enter his prime.
With league circles being far more in tune with what opposing teams are thinking, if there was a window for Detroit to potentially make a deal like this, expect Bickerstaff and the front office to use a potential series as the chance to scout a future fit.
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