The Detroit Pistons have been the biggest surprise in the NBA so far. To this point, the Pistons have the best record in the Eastern Conference. While they were expected to make a leap, most NBA pundits didn’t have them being this good.
With Detroit being so good, the Pistons now have an excuse to make a big move at the trade deadline in pursuit of a title. One trade proposal from Bleacher Report has the Pistons cashing in the assets they have now to bring in one of the hottest names on the trade market.
Lauri Markkanen has been one of the most coveted trade prospects, and the Pistons have the assets to bring him in.
GettySALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – NOVEMBER 23: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz reacts after missing a shot during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Delta Center on November 23, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Pistons Trade for Lauri Markkanen in Trade Proposal
Here is the full trade proposal: Lauri Markkanen to the Detroit Pistons for Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey, Ron Holland II, a 2028 first-round pick, and a 2030 first-round pick.
That trade would give the Pistons a great shooter and rebounder for their lineup. Markkanen would be the perfect fit on the wing. He could also move to the power forward spot and allow Isaiah Stewart to play the backup center role off the bench.
Markkanen is good enough on defense for there not to be slippage on that end, either. Trading two first-round picks is a big steep. Still, Ivey hasn’t played this season, and Detroit is still in the top spot in the East. None of the players going out in this deal are major contributors.
If Detroit did make a move like this, it would signal that they are all in this season. With no clear favorite in the East, they are trying to slip into the void and win the conference.
GettySALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – NOVEMBER 10: Mike Conley #10 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz during the first half at Delta Center on November 10, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
The Pistons Can’t Mess Up The Defense
Detroit has the third-best defensive rating in the league. Making any trade to improve the team needs to be one that keeps that number in the top five. Holland is a solid defender, so losing him comes with concerns. Markkanen is still good enough to make this move.
Adding Markkanen would signal that the Pistons are making him a core piece of the franchise, especially after the pricey contract extension he just signed. It’s a move that they should seriously consider making.
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