While still just 48, Detroit Pistons' president Trajan Langdon has had a good amount of experience in NBA front offices. After his playing career was over, he spent time with the San Antonio Spurs, Brooklyn Nets, and the New Orleans Pelicans.
As he gets started here in Detroit, however, who could be some of his first targets? It’s no secret that front office members have ties to certain players, usually ones that they drafted or scouted heavily. So could any players with ties to Trajan Langdon be in play for Detroit to acquire?
Players with ties to Trajan Langdon the Detroit Pistons could target
Nickeil Alexander-Walker
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is able to claim that he has caught the eye of Trajan not once, but twice in his young career. NAW was originally scouted by the Brooklyn Nets when Langdon was assistant GM, and, while Trajan had officially moved on once the draft took place, he still played a part in the scouting. Just a few weeks following the draft, Alexander-Walker was traded to the Hawks, and then immediately to the Pelicans to be back with Langdon.
Clearly Trajan sees something he likes about Nickeil. Detroit could use the 6-foot-5 wing after being a major difference maker for the Timberwolves in these playoffs. The 25 year old is averaging 8 points and almost 40 percent from three this year.
NAW still has one year left on his deal, but he's a name to watch for the future as a possible trade target or free agent.
Dejounte Murray
Dejounte Murray was drafted by San Antonio, where Trajan was a scout, back in 2016, and Detroit has already been linked to the 27 year old former all-star. Langdon could see Murray as not a perfect fit next to Cade, but too good of a weapon to pass up on. He liked what he saw enough for the Spurs to draft Dejounte out of college, maybe that’s enough to make a move with the Hawks.
Again, wouldn’t be a perfect fit but his scoring and defense is definitely there. As an icing on the cake, it was also rumored that Langdon and the Pelicans tried to acquire Murray this past offseason.