2 Young power forwards the Detroit Pistons should inquire about

Jan 28, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA;  Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) dribbles defended by
Jan 28, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) dribbles defended by / Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
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The Detroit Pistons need to be exploring every possible way to improve their roster.

Anything and everything should be on the table, including breaking up the "Core Four," and/or trading all of their expiring contracts.

The Pistons clearly need more help at power forward, as Isaiah Stewart isn't suited to playing the position full time and Detroit doesn't have anyone else. Isaiah Livers has been terrible since returning from injury and there are no young players in the pipeline.

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There are two young power forwards who aren't getting big minutes with their current teams that would be perfect for the Pistons. If I were Troy Weaver, I'd pick up the phone and see what it would take to secure either of these players.

Detroit Pistons trade targets: Tari Eason and Trey Murphy III

Tari Eason

I've liked Eason from the beginning, as he was my pick to be the sleeper of his draft and didn't disappoint in his rookie season. He's long, athletic, can block shots, grab steals and is an overall talented and versatile defender.

He's shown his shot is improving by hitting more than 40 percent of his 3's in limited attempts this season, so there is reason to believe he'll be the exact 3-and-D player the Pistons need.

What would it take to get him? Good question. There was speculation before the season that he would be available due to a minutes crunch at the position. So far, Eason is averaging just 21 minutes per game and has missed some time with an injury.

Would Houston push in some chips for a win-now move given their surprising place in the standings? Could the Pistons send them Bojan Bogdanovic and take back Eason and one of their veteran expiring deals (Green, Oladipo)? I'd at least find out.

Trey Murphy III

If I could pick one non superstar power forward to put on the Pistons it might be Trey Murphy III, who is currently playing just 25 minutes a game off the bench for the New Orleans Pelicans.

TMIII can shoot the lights out and would be a perfect fit at forward next to Cade Cunningham. He's also a better-than-advertised defender who can play either forward spot effectively.

The problem is that he is likely even more unavailable than Eason and the Pistons may not have the ammo to get him even if the Pelicans were up for moving him, which there is no indication they are.

I would at least find out, what could it hurt?

These two players may be long shots for the Pistons but represent the type of upgrade in talent at the power forward position that they desperately need.

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