The Detroit Pistons are in the market for answers this offseason, answers to several questions their second-round exit in the playoffs brought up.
Trajan Langdon is searching for a viable second option to pair alongside Cade Cunningham, while also monitoring the market for an upgrade in the frontcourt with the team's lack of reliability at power forward.
Obviously, all eyes immediately pan to the big-name players who could be on the move this offseason, with the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, and even attempting to land Lauri Markkanen coming to mind.
But what if I told you there was a way for Detroit to solve two of their biggest issues with one trade, that would not only immediately make them better, while also giving them room to make additional moves to upgrade their roster this summer?
Pistons should trade for Michael Porter Jr.
The first of many reasons why Michael Porter Jr. would be the perfect trade target for the Pistons is that he already has championship experience, dating back to his time with the Denver Nuggets.
At 27, the former lottery pick has finally seemed to put it all together, and it only took a bigger opportunity with the Brooklyn Nets to do it.
Coming off a career-year, averaging 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists on 46.3% shooting from field goal range and 36.3% from three, the Missouri product finally looked like the star he was projected to become at the next-level.
Porter Jr. proved to be an explosive scoring option, a capable playmaker, and a reliable option to attack the boards consistently.
At 6-foot-10, Porter's versatile skillset would allow him to slot in at the four in Detroit, offering a second option that can alleviate the offensive burden Cunningham was forced to deal with this past season, while also bolstering the Pistons' starting lineup with size and upside.
Detroit would still have room to work after acquiring MPJ
With the reports surfacing that the Nets are willing to move on from the standout forward this offseason, Detroit should be among the teams eyeing a deal.
Porter Jr.'s $38.3 million contract wouldn't take much for the Pistons to match, especially if they utilize the contracts of Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert, whose future in the Motor City is already in doubt.
Bringing in MPJ would bolster the starting five, but also give the team more flexibility to continue improving the roster with additional moves, at least more flexibility than making a trade for a Kawhi Leonard or Lauri Markkanen would allow.
Of the options the Pistons should consider this offseason, making a run for Porter Jr. should be at the top of the list.
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