Top 3 Trade Targets for the Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons continue to lead the Eastern Conference by a solid three game margin. But with teams like the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics putting on big pushes, the Pistons will need to make a big move at the trade deadline to retain their top dog position.
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report has suggested a Top 3 Wish List for Detroit as they look for an impactful addition.
With a tremendous backcourt led by Cade Cunningham and a beast down low in Jalen Duren, there's still a need for a scoring forward in the Motor City. "They still need someone to punch up the half-court offense," writes Favale. "Opening up the floor in the half-court and alleviating some of Cade Cunningham's on-ball responsibilities" are their top priorities.
Murphy, a a 6'9" athletic forward who is an elite 3-and-D option, would be Favale's first choice. The Pelicans wing has the most reasonable contract ($28M AAV), while bringing the type of defense that the others don't. But he is being sought out by numerous teams, and the Pels could have a nice bidding war on their hands if they do decide to deal him.
Markkanen's massive salary with an AAV of $49M for three more years after this one could get difficult for the Pistons to handle, with Duren and Ausar Thompson to pay in a couple of years.
Porter Jr. might cost the least of these three in terms of a return. He's got only one more year to run on his deal at $40M, which would work in the Pistons timeline as for those next extensions that are coming in 2027. He's exploded this season as the go-to guy with the Brooklyn Nets, but he would have to defer to Cunningham, of course, if the Pistons were able to land him.
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