The Detroit Pistons are almost certainly in the market for another star this offseason, and not just because of the struggles the postseason offered, but because Cade Cunningham has proven he's a player the team can build a championship contender around.
Looking around the league, there are several players Detroit could target, and arguably the favorite option among the Pistons' fanbase is New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III.
Adding Murphy III would bring a versatile forward with scoring upside to the Motor City, but it may also cost the Pistons more than they're willing to offer. Fortunately, there may be another option residing in NOLA that Detroit could land for much cheaper that could fill several needs for J.B. Bickerstaff's squad.
Pistons should inquire about Dejounte Murray
Dejounte Murray hasn't been talked about much, at least not in terms of a player Detroit should target.
The 6-foot-4 guard only suited up in 14 games for the Pelicans last season after suffering a torn Achilles the year prior, and while his return wasn't as noteworthy as Boston Celtics' star Jayson Tatum's, Murray showed flashes of his former self rather quickly, averaging 16.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.4 rebounds on 48.4% shooting from field goal range and 30.6% from three.
Murray has a full offseason under his belt now to not just continue rehabbing, but get back up to NBA speed and return to the caliber player he was before his Achilles injury.
At 29, he still has plenty left, and he'd be the perfect complement alongside Cunningham in the Pistons backcourt given his strength.
The Washington product is a capable scorer, and he's proven to be a reliable playmaker who can run the offense throughout his time with the San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, and even the Pelicans before going down.
To make a potential deal even better, Detroit has an easy pathway to land Murray.
Pistons could easily match Murray's contract
Murray's current deal lands him at $30.8 million, which considering the outrageous contracts across the league today, is nothing.
Any deal to land the playmaker would obviously include draft compensation, but in terms of outgoing salaries, Detroit would have plenty of options to choose from to build a package.
Offloading Duncan Robinson's deal would be the first option, which could bode well if the Pistons wanted to turn their attention to Sam Hauser in a separate move.
Outside or Robinson, both Isaiah Stewart and Caris LeVert could be used in a potential deal.
There are avenues to make a trade work, and a backcourt pairing of Cunningham and Murray could be a nightmare given both guards' size and versatility.
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