The Detroit Pistons have established themselves as one of the best teams in the league this season. While boasting a 34-11 record and sitting atop the Eastern Conference table, the Pistons also possess the second-best defensive rating in the league (108.7) and an elite offense (offensive rating of 116.1).
The Pistons currently enjoy a cushion of 5.5 games, giving them ample breathing room to retain their top spot in the second half of the season. However, given how crucial the stretch after the All-Star break will be, Detroit cannot afford to slip up.
While the Pistons have looked solid across the board, even possessing an impressive 17-6 record against teams above .500 this season, the team’s shooting and bench production could leave more to be desired from a contender.
Currently, the duo of Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren appears to be leading the charge, combining for 43.0 points per game. With Isaiah Stewart emerging as the team’s leading bench scorer, with an average of 10.1 points per game, the Pistons may benefit from making an upgrade.
With the trade deadline only a week away, Detroit could explore some intriguing possibilities. Given their wealth of assets, we explore five targets who could boost the Pistons’ bench scoring.
Malik Monk
Proposed Trade Details
Detroit Pistons Receive: Malik Monk
Sacramento Kings Receive: Caris LeVert, Marcus Sasser, 2027 second-round pick (MIL)
Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk could be an intriguing trade prospect for the Detroit Pistons this season. The 27-year-old has earned a reputation as an effective scoring threat, primarily acting as a reliable offensive player in the second unit.
Although his development as a multi-level scorer has resulted in a consistent increase in output with each passing season, this campaign has seen a change in trends. With averages of 12.5 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, Monk appears to have regressed to some extent. But this may not be the player’s fault.
Monk’s role in Sacramento’s rotation has been quite inconsistent this season. With an uneven distribution of minutes, the guard has struggled to settle into an offensive groove. With the Kings also heading for a rebuild, now would be the ideal opportunity for the 27-year-old to explore a change of scenery.
For the Pistons, Monk could provide instant offense off the bench. Although his defensive contributions aren’t noteworthy, his ability to shift the momentum of a game with his scoring may be of intrigue to Detroit.
Cam Thomas
Proposed Trade Details
Detroit Pistons Receive: Cam Thomas, Haywood Highsmith
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Caris LeVert, 2026 second-round pick (CHA, 31-55 protected)
Cam Thomas could be another solid trade target for the Detroit Pistons heading into the final week before the trade deadline. With the Nets guard growing frustrated with his role in Brooklyn, the guard and the franchise are almost guaranteed to part ways.
Thomas has positioned himself as one of the most gifted scorers in the NBA. Despite his limited athleticism, the 24-year-old possesses tremendous skill and shot-making ability.
This season, Thomas has struggled to establish himself on offense due to a reduced role in the Nets’ rotation. Still, the guard is averaging 15.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game on 39.5% shooting from the field.
Though his unwillingness to distribute the ball has been acknowledged, when purely considering his ability to take over on offense, he is terrific. Although the Pistons may not be too satisfied with his defensive effort, considering that he is a low-cost pickup, Detroit could see the value in his addition.
Bennedict Mathurin
Proposed Trade Details
Detroit Pistons Receive: Bennedict Mathurin
Indiana Pacers Receive: Jaden Ivey
Rumors have indicated that the Indiana Pacers are quite willing to part with Bennedict Mathurin this season, potentially to avoid offering him an extension once his contract expires. While this could be an unfavorable situation for the Pacers guard, it could be an opportunity for the Pistons.
At $9.1 million, Bennedict Mathurin is effectively a steal considering his two-way upside. Having stepped into a larger role with the Pacers this season, Mathurin has showcased his unique ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, making him a high-value addition to any team.
This season, the 23-year-old is averaging 17.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.7 steals per game. Whether it is in the capacity of a bench scorer or a starter, Mathurin’s versatility makes him a tremendous addition to a team like the Pistons, which fields several young players.
With the potential to grow into a key role player on a title-contending squad, the Pistons may see great value in attempting to acquire the Pacers guard.
Grayson Allen
Proposed Trade Details
Detroit Pistons Receive: Grayson Allen
Phoenix Suns Receive: Caris LeVert, Javonte Green, 2027 second-round pick (BKN or DAL)
While the targets mentioned thus far have been capable of creating offensive opportunities for themselves, a player like Grayson Allen sets himself apart as a consummate role player. Having built his reputation as a reliable 3-and-D veteran, Allen could be just what the Pistons need off the bench.
Since earning a bigger role on the offensive end for the Phoenix Suns this season, Allen has demonstrated his ability to score with efficiency and make winning plays. With averages of 16.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game while shooting 41.9% from the field and 36.5% from three-point range, Allen remains an extremely consistent player.
The Pistons have one of the youngest rosters in the league. Barring Tobias Harris, Duncan Robinson, and Javonte Green, the team hardly features any veterans. In an attempt to add veteran leadership, strengthen the perimeter defense, and boost bench scoring, the Pistons could benefit from acquiring Grayson Allen.
Naji Marshall
Proposed Trade Details
Detroit Pistons Receive: Naji Marshall, Jaden Hardy
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Caris LeVert, 2027 first-round pick
Naji Marshall has established himself as one of the most reliable players in the Dallas Mavericks‘ rotation. While possessing tremendous shot-making ability, Marshall also contributes as a playmaker and a versatile secondary defender.
Marshall’s importance to the Mavericks’ rotation has been well-documented. Considering that he is averaging 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.1 steals per game on 54.5% shooting from the field, he brings a lot of value to the table as a player and a leader.
However, a recent report by NBA insider Marc Stein suggested that the Mavericks would only be open to trade talks involving Marshall if a first-round pick is involved.
This could be an opportunity for the Pistons to make a major roster upgrade. At $9.0 million, Marshall is a relatively low-cost, high-value pickup. His versatility and leadership could make him a tremendous addition to the Pistons’ second unit, potentially also taking some pressure off Cade Cunningham.
Do The Pistons Need An Upgrade?
While Detroit could certainly benefit from bringing in reinforcements, it is difficult to assess whether this would be necessary. The Pistons have demonstrated tremendous chemistry on the floor, and with Cunningham operating as the floor general, the team has looked like one cohesive unit.
For the most part, Detroit appears to be a formidable team, seemingly lacking in any department. However, given the team’s dependence on Cunningham, the Pistons may face some challenges when navigating the postseason.
The only way the Pistons could address this issue would be by pulling the trigger on a blockbuster trade to bring a superstar over ahead of the deadline. With players such as Michael Porter Jr. and Kyrie Irving being listed as potential targets, Detroit might consider analyzing its options.
