Other than the conclusion to the Jalen Duren drama, the NBA offseason is pretty much complete. The Detroit Pistons still have obvious finished business, but it’s not too early to think about the next trade season, which will come at the deadline next year.
Bleacher Report recently put out a list of their top 10 trade targets for next season and nearly all of them are some level of fit on the Pistons.
Detroit didn’t make the splashy move this offseason but may have a larger group of players to pursue in February.
Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. are risks for different reasons
The first two players on the list that make some amount of sense are Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr.
The Nuggets may have to cut more money, and Gordon is the obvious choice, one who may be a fit on the Pistons as a two-way player who can create some. But he’s also always hurt and owed a ton of money, so unless the price was low, the risk wouldn’t be worth it for Detroit.
MPJ is also a great fit as a shot maker, but he’s on a massive expiring deal that would take several players to match, and then the Pistons would potentially have to extend him. No thanks. They are fits but Detroit can do better.
Jrue Holiday brings championship experience
I love Holiday, as he’s a proven winner, brings exactly what the Pistons need in terms of creation and ballhandling, and he’s also still a very good defender. He’s also a great locker-room guy who has been loved everywhere he’s been, including on two title teams.
Will the Blazers trade from their surplus of mismatched guards? If so, the Pistons should be interested here, as the price would be cheaper than some of the other guys mentioned and he might be the best fit.
Kyrie Irving has to prove he’s healthy
Irving is another possible option for ballhandling and scoring, as he obviously brings both when he’s healthy.
If he is, and Dallas is winning some, they may just keep him, as they have no reason to tank, and he can help Cooper Flagg develop.
Irving is another proven winner who provides what the Pistons need on paper, but he has to be healthy, playing well, and Dallas has to want to trade him.
Kevin Durant is the trade deadline wildcard
Durant seems another obvious choice to be moved if his team underperforms in any way next season, as they might decide they are better off going with their young guys instead.
Durant is always a risk, as he’s flaky and nearing 40 years old, but he’s still an elite scorer and the idea of having him for a playoff run is appealing. He’s friends with Cade Cunningham and would love to bag another title, so Durant may welcome that challenge in Detroit, who knows.
The other issue is how much teams would be willing to offer a 38-year-old who only has a player option on his deal after next season. Durant is one of the biggest wildcards of the trade deadline, in terms of his availability and what teams would be willing to give up to get him.
It would be hard to argue against replacing John Collins with Kevin Durant if the price was right.
Trey Murphy III will still cost too much in a trade
I am going to include TMIII, but if the Pelicans finally decide to deal him, there will be a lot of teams involved because of his contract, position and shooting.
I’ve watched a lot of him, and I do like Murphy, but I am not sure he’s worth 3-4 draft picks to acquire. Two and a swap, maybe, but if some other team wants to give them more, Detroit should walk away, as he doesn’t solve their biggest problem, which is ball handling and creation.
Darius Garland is a risky fit
Garland is another guard who can play on or off the ball and act as a secondary creator and scorer. He’s a good fit age-wise, though he does have a sketchy injury history that makes him a risk given his small stature.
LA may be desperate to recoup some picks, so depending on the player cost, Garland might be worthwhile risk, as he’s a creator who also happens to be a very good 3-point shooter.
There should be a wealth of options for the Pistons at the trade deadline, but first they have to put themselves in a position by getting their own business completed and having a strong start to the season.
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