Lauri Markkanen has been a prime trade target for multiple seasons now, and the Pistons are one of the best fits for him. Markkanen has had an up-and-down stint in Utah and there have been concerns about his declining play for any team that pursues him. However, the Pistons can put those fears to rest knowing that they have an elite playmaker in Cade Cunningham to set him up and reignite Markkanen’s career-best stretch.
Lauri Markkanen is at his best with elite playmakers
In Markkanen’s sole All-Star season, his first in Utah, he began the year playing with veteran point guard Mike Conley. Conley was traded from the Jazz to the Timberwolves in February, just before the All-Star break, and his impact is clear in Markkanen’s numbers throughout that season.
Before the All-Star break, Markkanen shot 51 percent from the field and 41 percent from three while averaging 25 points and eight rebounds. He was a force on both ends and showed newfound versatility as a scorer. After the All-Star break, with Conley off the team, Markkanen actually increased his scoring average to 29 points per game, but his efficiency dipped - 45 percent from the field and 32 percent from three.
In the two seasons since, Markkanen has seen his efficiency dwindle even more. Last season was his worst yet in Utah and he shot just 42 percent from the field and 35 percent from three while averaging 18 points per game. It’s worth noting that Markkanen plays with arguably the worst point guard rotation in the league, as Utah employs extremely young and mistake-prone players at the all-important table setter position.
Playing with Cade Cunningham would bring Lauri back to a level of play like his All-Star stretch. He is aptly nicknamed “The Finnisher” for two reasons: his nationality (Finnish) and his playstyle (play-finisher who needs someone to set him up). Going from Isaiah Collier to Cade Cunningham as his point guard would be a world of difference, and elevate his shooting percentages instantly. Cade is one of the league’s best playmakers and gets easy shots for all of his teammates consistently.
Despite incredible scoring ability both attacking the rim and shooting from outside, Markkanen struggles to create shots entirely for himself off the dribble. We saw the impact that a past-his-prime Mike Conley could have on his efficiency, and we can only imagine what an All-NBA point guard can do.
Markkanen seemed to have rediscovered his competitive edge this summer in EuroBasket while representing his national team, and he may not be content to tank in Utah for much longer. The Pistons will be the perfect destination for him - a team on the rise with an elite point guard. If Markkanen ever finds his way to Detroit, he can be sure Cade Cunningham will do him many favors.