The Detroit Pistons are being linked to nearly every big name on the market this offseason not named Giannis Antetokounmpo, and understandably so.
Detroit has been considered a team to monitor for Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, Trey Murphy III, and even Lauri Markkanen at one point.
The only problem with the above is that every name on that list would likely cost the Pistons more than they'd like to offer, especially considering there's one team whose past behavior is essentially begging for someone to come calling.
That team? The Toronto Raptors.
Pistons could land one of Brandon Ingram or RJ Barrett for much cheaper
The Raptors have come up in nearly every rumor dating back to last offseason, and the two players that frequently came up in every report that the team could be willing to move on from were Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett.
Ingram would almost certainly be the more difficult player to lure away from Toronto, considering he's tied to the franchise contractually for longer than Barrett is, but based on the other options on the market, it may be much cheaper for Detroit than any of the other top names this offseason.
In his first season with the Raptors, Ingram averaged 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists on 47.7% from field goal range and 38.2% from three. Not only did the 28-year-old help lead Toronto to the playoffs, but he proved durable, suiting up in 77 games for Toronto this season.
Obviously, Ingram hasn't proved to be a superstar talent, at least not on the level of Cade Cunningham, but he'd be an ideal running mate to pair alongside the Pistons' star guard, who could answer the Pistons' search for a viable second option this offseason.
If that Duke product doesn't interest you though, perhaps another one will.
RJ Barrett has arguably been in more rumors than Ingram, which shouldn't come as a surprise, given he's on an expiring contract and three years younger at 25.
Toronto could be looking to capitalize on the Canadian forward's solid three-year stretch with the team, and if the Raptors are serious about moving on from the former top-three pick, the Pistons would be a solid landing spot.
Barrett is coming off the worst season of his three years in the North, averaging 19.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 49.1% field goal shooting and 33.9% from beyond the arc, but there are still plenty of reasons why he could fit seamlessly in the Pistons' plans.
J.B. Bickerstaff would be ecstatic to land another two-way option, and Barrett would immediately receive a much larger opportunity on offense next to Cunningham, which could allow him to take the next step before reaching his prime.
There's no telling which player the Pistons would prefer, but if they strike out on the other top options this offseason or simply pivot to cheaper options, the Raptors should be one of the first teams they call.
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