Projecting what the Pistons' starting lineup might realistically look like in 2026

Possible Detroit Pistons starting lineup with a star trade 

I’ve written about some of the stars who might be available for the Pistons in trades over the next two seasons either because of their contract situations and/or their team’s finances. 

Here are two starting lineups if the Pistons were to make a huge move in the next two years: 

-Cade Cunningham 

-Ron Holland 

-Ausar Thompson 

-Jaren Jackson Jr. 

-Jalen Duren 

In this scenario, the Pistons have traded for Jaren Jackson Jr. or landed him as a max free agent. JJJ is a longshot as if Memphis rebuilds, he will likely be the one they build around, but I love his fit with Duren and this would give the Pistons an elite defense, an identity they could build around. 

The Nuggets are another team that may have to make some tough financial decisions over the next two seasons if they don’t want to go into the second apron: 

-Cade Cunningham 

-Ron Holland 

-Ausar Thompson 

-Michael Porter Jr. 

-Jalen Duren 

MPJ seems like a more realistic target for the Pistons, especially with the Tobias Harris contract in place. Detroit could potentially send Denver Harris/Stewart and draft assets for MPJ to save Denver money but keep them competitive in the Jokic years. 

Of course, a ton of things could happen in the next two seasons, which makes this exercise difficult, but if things go right for Detroit, they should be on their way to sustained success within the next two seasons.