The Detroit Pistons have opened this season at 7-3, and Monday’s convincing win over the Washington Wizards helped them bounce back after two straight losses. That kind of start keeps the buzz alive, but it also leaves the same lingering question: what’s the one more piece that could push them from promising to truly dangerous?
Last season, Detroit owned the Eastern Conference before things fell apart in the playoffs, and the sense then was that the group still wasn’t quite ready for the top shelf. The early returns this year are better, but the roster still appears to be missing a final ingredient for a real title run.
That’s where the trade market comes in. A former champion, a wing, or another high-level scorer could be the kind of addition that changes the ceiling in Detroit.
One name that fits neatly is Trey Murphy. At 6’8”, he brings the kind of two-way wing game that would pair cleanly with Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson. His catch-and-shoot ability would punish defenses for loading up on Cunningham, while his off-ball movement and versatile defense would make life easier for Detroit in the half court, especially in a playoff series where every possession gets tighter.
Naz Reid is another fit that makes sense for a different reason. He gives a team frontcourt spacing, the willingness to fire from three, and enough secondary shot creation to keep the offense moving. With Jalen Duren dealing with a hamstring injury, Reid would bring a level of long-term stability, and he could either play alongside Duren or anchor five-out small-ball lineups when the game calls for it.
Kyrie Irving would bring a completely different kind of punch. He offers elite ball-handling, high-end shot creation and experience playing next to a primary playmaker like Cunningham.
Detroit’s front office has previously shown interest in his skill set, and it’s easy to see why. In big moments, his isolation scoring, clutch shot-making and championship background would give the Pistons another gear.
Derrick White belongs in the conversation too. He’s one of the league’s best two-way guards, and his value shows up everywhere: secondary playmaking, smart ball movement, dependable three-point shooting and perimeter defense at an All-Defensive level.
Put him next to Cunningham and Thompson, and Detroit’s backcourt defense gets a lot more intimidating. It would also mean taking a major piece away from an Eastern Conference rival.
Then there’s Michael Porter Jr., one of the NBA’s most dangerous movement shooters and scoring forwards. At 6’9”, he has the size and touch to create clean looks over defenders, even when the pressure ramps up. Detroit’s physical perimeter defenders could help cover for his defensive shortcomings, while he focuses on spacing the floor, hitting shots and giving the Pistons another real scoring threat in the starting five.
In Other News...
Daniss Jenkins Is Giving The Pistons A Tough New Decision
Daniss Jenkins has turned a strong start into one of the more interesting roster questions facing Detroit. The guard has given the Pistons steady production, averaging 12.7 points, 4.7 assists and 3.6 rebounds while knocking down 43 percent of his 3-point attempts, and that kind of early impact tends to get noticed quickly in a league that is always looking for useful backcourt pieces.
The tricky part is what comes next. Jenkins is headed toward restricted free agency at seasons end, which gives Detroit control, but not necessarily an easy path to keeping him if the market gets involved or the cap picture tightens. The Pistons also have to weigh the progress of rookie Ebuka Okorie and the contract situation of Paul Reed, which means Jenkins rise may be forcing the front office to think several moves ahead. [Read more 🡒]
Pistons Already Have One Early Reason To Feel Better About Collins
The Pistons decision to swap Tobias Harris out and John Collins in at power forward already looks easier to understand in early-season context. Harris, now 34, still has not played this season because of a calf strain, and it has only sharpened the questions that were already hanging over his durability as Detroit weighed its options in free agency.
Collins was never just about talent for the Pistons, either. The appeal was always tied to his availability and the flexibility of his contract, even with the age concern that comes with adding another veteran. For a team trying to stabilize that spot, simply having a player on the floor has been a useful early reminder of why Detroit made the move. [Read more 🡒]
Pistons Suddenly Face A Trade Deadline Decision Fans Can't Ignore
Detroits strong 7-3 start has changed the conversation around the franchise in a hurry. With a healthy stash of draft capital and expiring contracts in hand, the Pistons are in position to be more than patient observers ahead of the Feb. 11 trade deadline. They have put themselves in the mix in the Eastern Conference, and the front office now has to weigh whether to keep building organically or use those assets to accelerate the timeline.
The need is fairly clear: secondary scoring and frontcourt depth would both help a team trying to keep pace with Boston and Philadelphia. Names such as John Collins, Duncan Robinson and Naz Reid have already surfaced as possible fits, which tells you the market is starting to take shape around Detroits needs. The bigger question is how aggressive the Pistons want to be, because the right move could help them chase the top of the standings, while the wrong one could cost them the flexibility that got them here. [Read more 🡒]