Detroit Pistons Trade Deadline Outlook: Exploring Potential Fits from the Bulls' Roster
As the NBA trade deadline inches closer, the Detroit Pistons are in a familiar spot-looking to improve without tearing apart the foundation they’re trying to build. That’s a tough needle to thread, especially when most of the high-impact names being floated around the league come with a steep price tag: young talent, draft capital, or both.
But there may be a more pragmatic path for Detroit. Instead of swinging for a blockbuster, new front office head Trajan Langdon could look closer to home-specifically within the division-to find value plays that complement the current roster without sacrificing key developmental pieces. And few teams are more primed for a sell-off than the Chicago Bulls.
Chicago’s season has followed a now-familiar script: a promising start followed by a slow slide into the lower rungs of the Eastern Conference. They’re sitting at 11th, a team stuck in the middle with a roster full of expiring contracts and uncertain direction. For Detroit, that could mean opportunity.
Let’s take a closer look at three Bulls players who could be on the Pistons’ radar-and what each might bring to the table.
Kevin Huerter: The Shooting Help That Might Not Help Enough
On paper, Kevin Huerter checks a box for Detroit. The Pistons desperately need perimeter shooting, and Huerter, a career 37% shooter from deep, has the track record to suggest he could help.
But this season? He’s hitting just 31% from beyond the arc.
That’s a red flag, especially for a player whose primary value lies in his ability to stretch the floor.
Then there’s the contract. Huerter is owed $17 million this season, and matching that salary would force Detroit to move a player of real value-something the team is understandably hesitant to do.
Given the financials and his recent dip in production, Huerter feels like more of a theoretical fit than a realistic target. Unless the Bulls are looking to offload him for pennies on the dollar, this one’s probably a pass.
Coby White: High-Scoring Guard with Real Upside-and Real Questions
Now here’s a name that could move the needle. Coby White has blossomed into a legitimate scoring threat, averaging north of 20 points per game.
He’s doing it on a reasonable $12.8 million salary, making him one of the more attractive potential rentals on the market. For teams looking to add firepower without blowing up their books, White is going to draw serious interest.
The Pistons could be one of those teams-if the price is right. White hasn’t fully found his shooting rhythm since returning from injury, but his career numbers (37% from three on high volume) suggest that will correct itself.
The bigger question is fit. With Jaden Ivey already in the fold, adding another combo guard with a similar skill set could create redundancy rather than synergy.
Still, if the Bulls are willing to talk about a package centered around a young player like Marcus Sasser and a first-round pick, Detroit would have to consider it. That’s the kind of move that could boost the offense without touching the core. But if Chicago holds out for more-or if Detroit decides the fit just isn’t clean enough-it may be best to look elsewhere.
Ayo Dosunmu: The Ideal 3-and-D Wing for Detroit’s Rotation
If there’s one player who looks like a seamless fit in Detroit, it’s Ayo Dosunmu.
He’s a versatile defender, capable of guarding multiple positions with real energy and intelligence. On offense, he’s quietly having a career year from deep, shooting a blistering 47.5% from three on four attempts per game. That’s not just hot-it’s elite efficiency on solid volume.
Dosunmu brings everything the Pistons need from a complementary piece: defense, shooting, ball-handling in a pinch, and a team-first mentality. And at just $7.5 million on an expiring deal, he’s a low-risk, high-reward target. The Bulls may be hesitant to move him, but if they continue to tumble in the standings, they’ll have to make some tough calls-and Dosunmu could be one of them.
For Detroit, acquiring a player like Ayo wouldn’t require mortgaging the future or sacrificing a core piece. That’s the kind of move that helps now and fits the long-term vision.
Bottom Line
The Pistons are walking a tightrope at the deadline. They want to get better, but not at the cost of the young core they’ve spent the last few seasons building. That means creativity will be key-and looking within the division at a team like the Bulls could offer some realistic, affordable options.
Coby White brings scoring punch, but questions of fit and cost linger. Kevin Huerter has the résumé but not the current production or contract flexibility.
Ayo Dosunmu? He might just be the sweet spot-an ascending two-way wing who fits the Pistons’ culture and needs without blowing up the blueprint.
If the Bulls decide to hit the reset button, Detroit should be ready to make the call.