The Detroit Pistons enter NBA trade season with both an elite record and an opportunity to fast-track their development as full-fledged contenders. It all depends on their willingness to spend, because while they could afford just about any trade target, that doesn't mean every trade target is a fit.
Maybe that means the Motor City is set to snooze right on through the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Then again, the unfilled co-star role alongside Cade Cunningham needs addressing at some point, doesn't it? Especially if there's a way—and there is!—to fill that role without coughing up the Pistons' most-prized prospect.
It'd just take the help of a Central Division rival to do it. I'll explain why that may not be a totally unreasonable request, but first, let's digest the hypothetical deal in all of its internet-breaking beauty.
For anyone whose jaw just dropped, I'll give you a minute to grab it before proceeding. OK, all set now? Let's dive in.
Beyond being a touch more seasoned than the majority of this roster, Siakam seems like a dream get for Detroit. Or rather, he would if he played for anyone other than a fellow Central Division dweller, but that shouldn't automatically torpedo these talks. It would, however, probably ensure that the Pistons wouldn't be getting any kind of discount on the deal.
And they shouldn't need one to proceed. That's how much Siakam can help.
Harris is a fine player at the 4, but Siakam is a true difference-maker at the position. Moreover, the Pistons don't have to try imagining Siakam as a championship-level sidekick, because he's aced that role before (with Kawhi Leonard on the 2018-19 Raptors). Heck, if not for Tyrese Haliburton's untimely Achilles tear, maybe Siakam would have reprised the role in the 2025 Finals (where he averaged 19.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.9 combined steals and blocks).
He's borderline perfect as a supporting actor. He can handle the spotlight when needed (he has five 30-point outbursts already this season), but when the leading actor has it rolling, he's just as comfortable (and effective) spacing the floor, crashing the glass, and doing a lot of the dirty-work duties you wouldn't normally associate with a three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA honoree.
Even at 31 years old, he's still an energizer in transition, but now that experience has helped him better navigate his way through half-court possessions. Defensively, he'd fit like a tailored suit in Detroit as another long-limbed, lively disruptor.
Speaking of that experience, all of his bright-lights exposure could be invaluable for a young core with a single playoff trip (and feisty first-round showing) under its belt. And he not only knows what's required to succeed on the biggest stage, he could also provide real contributions that help the Pistons do just that.
As for the cost of this swap, it's steep. Harris is a shot-maker and helpful offensive safety valve. Stewart is a tenacious tone-setter who brings some of the best interior defense in the business. Holland is a relentless defender who's forcing his way into fan-favorite territory. And control of four first-round picks is never something to be handed over lightly.
Big-dollar purchases typically have those price points for a reason, though. If the Pistons think adding Siakam would up their championship chances by even a handful of percentage points, that's a big deal. And they'd get multiple cracks at making it work, since he's under contract through the 2027-28 season.
Don't discount the addition of Huff, by the way. He's no Stewart, obviously, but he is a serviceable, 7'1" center who can dial it up from distance and protect the paint. Between him and Paul Reed, the Pistons would still have a good amount of protection behind Jalen Duren, who might soak up some 35-ish minutes a night come playoff time anyway.
Admittedly, this feels far more daring than anything Detroit is contemplating at the moment, but it's a fascinating concept that could, at least on paper, make the Pistons the team to beat in the East.