The Detroit Pistons are in a fascinating spot right now. Despite their struggles in recent years, they’ve quietly built a roster that ranks in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency - a rare combination in today’s NBA.
But even with that balance, there’s a glaring hole in their offense that could use a serious upgrade: perimeter shooting. That’s where Michael Porter Jr. enters the conversation.
Porter is having the best season of his career, averaging over 25 points and seven rebounds a night, while knocking down 40 percent of his threes on more than nine attempts per game. That’s elite volume and elite efficiency - the kind of shooting that warps defenses and opens up the floor for everyone else. In a league where spacing is king, MPJ is a floor-spacer of the highest order.
Meanwhile, the Pistons rank just 22nd in the league in three-point percentage and 27th in attempts per game. That’s a problem for a team that wants to build around Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, whose pick-and-roll chemistry is blossoming but often operates in a crowded half-court. Adding a shooter like Porter could dramatically change that dynamic.
According to recent reports, Detroit could be eyeing a deal that would send out Tobias Harris, a first-round pick, and possibly another contract like Caris LeVert’s to bring in Porter. On paper, it’s a move that makes a lot of sense. Harris is on an expiring deal, and while he’s been a steady veteran presence, he’s shooting just 33 percent from deep on four attempts per game - not nearly enough to bend defenses the way Porter can.
Porter, by contrast, doubles that volume and connects at a much higher rate. He brings a level of offensive firepower that the Pistons simply don’t have at the forward spot right now. No one on the roster at that position is a consistent threat from deep, and that’s a problem when you’re trying to maximize space for your young core.
From a pure basketball standpoint, this deal feels like a win for Detroit. They’d be upgrading their shooting, adding a player with championship experience, and doing it without giving up any of their core young talent. The pick they’d be sending out likely wouldn’t be a premium one, and Harris - while valuable - is a free agent after the season.
But trades aren’t just about stats and contracts. Harris has been a key part of the Pistons’ locker room.
He’s a respected leader, a steady voice, and someone who’s helped shape the culture as Detroit continues its rebuild. That’s not something you can easily replace, especially with a player like Porter, who comes with some off-court baggage and has occasionally drawn attention for the wrong reasons.
There’s a risk here - not just in chemistry, but in role. Porter is putting up big numbers on a struggling team.
That doesn’t always translate to winning basketball on a team with real aspirations. Can he be a reliable second option behind Cunningham?
Is he willing to buy into a system where he might not be the focal point every night?
Still, the upside is hard to ignore. Porter is a proven scorer with playoff experience and a skill set that fits exactly what Detroit needs. If the Pistons believe their young core is ready to take the next step, this could be the kind of bold move that accelerates their timeline.
It’s not without risk. But the reward - a dynamic, floor-stretching forward who can help unlock the offense - might be worth it.