The Detroit Pistons find themselves in a familiar, yet frustrating, position with the No. 5 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Despite a dismal 14-68 record last season and high hopes for a top-three selection, lottery misfortune left them with the fifth pick. As the Pistons look to expedite their rebuild around rising star Cade Cunningham, exploring trade options for this valuable asset becomes essential.
Detroit Pistons’ struggles last season were multifaceted. The team ranked 27th in scoring and 26th in defensive rating, highlighting glaring weaknesses on that end of the floor. Injuries compounded these issues, with key players like Cunningham and Bojan Bogdanovic missing significant time. Amidst these challenges, rookies Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren showed promise, offering a glimpse of the team’s potential future.
Given the depth of the 2024 draft, the Pistons have a plethora of options. They can either select a talented prospect or leverage their pick in a trade to acquire immediate help like Zach LaVine, Mikal Bridges, or Lauri Markkanen.
Trading For Zach LaVine In The Backcourt
Detroit Pistons receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls receive: 2024 No. 5 overall pick, Isaiah Stewart, Evan Fournier, Stanley Umude
Zach LaVine is one of the league’s premier scoring guards. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game while shooting 45.2% from the field and 34.9% from three-point range. LaVine is known for his explosive athleticism, shooting ability, and playmaking, making him a dynamic offensive threat. A foot injury ended his season in January, but a fresh start could revitalize his scoring capabilities in Detroit.
Isaiah Stewart has been a solid contributor for the Pistons, known for his toughness and defensive presence. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 10.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, shooting 48.7% from the field. Stewart’s ability to guard multiple positions and his improving three-point shot (37.4%) have made him a valuable asset, but expendable with Jalen Duren’s rise.
The Chicago Bulls are at a crossroads, needing to balance their current talent with future potential. Trading LaVine, their top scorer, would signal a rebuild, allowing them to acquire young talent and a high draft pick. This trade would provide the Bulls with Isaiah Stewart, a promising young big man, along with Evan Fournier, Stanley Umude, and the valuable No. 5 overall pick in 2024.
Adding Zach LaVine to the Pistons would significantly boost their backcourt, pairing him with Cade Cunningham. LaVine’s scoring ability would take pressure off Cunningham, allowing him to focus more on playmaking. This trade would immediately enhance Detroit’s offensive firepower, making them a more competitive team. LaVine’s experience and skills could help accelerate the development of Detroit’s young core, making the Pistons a potential playoff contender in the near future.
Bringing An Offensive Big Man To Challenge The East
Detroit Pistons receive: Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz receive: 2024 No. 5 overall pick, 2026 first-round pick, Evan Fournier
Lauri Markkanen is a versatile power forward known for his scoring ability and range. During the 2023-24 NBA season, he averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game while shooting 48.0% from the field and an impressive 39.9% from three-point range. Markkanen also maintained a high efficiency with a true shooting percentage of 63.1%, indicating his offensive capacities.
In the 2024-25 season, Markkanen will be in the final year of his contract, which could make him more available for trade as an expiring contract. The Utah Jazz are in a rebuilding phase, and acquiring high-value draft picks would significantly bolster their future prospects. By trading Markkanen, they can secure the No. 5 overall pick in 2024 and an additional first-round pick in 2026, along with Evan Fournier, whose expiring contract can provide further financial flexibility.
For the Detroit Pistons, adding Lauri Markkanen would bring a much-needed offensive boost. Pairing Markkanen with Cade Cunningham would give the Pistons a formidable inside-outside scoring duo. Markkanen’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting would create more space for Cunningham and other playmakers. Additionally, Markkanen’s rebounding and improved defense would help solidify the Pistons’ frontcourt.
The trade would involve giving up two valuable future picks and Evan Fournier. However, the immediate impact of adding an established scorer like Markkanen could accelerate Detroit’s rebuilding process and potentially push them into playoff contention in the Eastern Conference.
Adding A Defensive Star In Mikal Bridges
Detroit Pistons receive: Mikal Bridges
Brooklyn Nets receive: No. 5 overall pick, Evan Fournier, Isaiah Stewart, Marcus Sasser
Mikal Bridges is one of the NBA’s premier “three-and-D” players. During the 2023-24 season, he averaged 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 43.6% from the field and 37.2% from three-point range. Known for his elite perimeter defense, Bridges has the ability to guard multiple positions, making him a versatile asset on both ends of the floor.
The Brooklyn Nets are in a rebuilding phase and acquiring high-value assets is crucial for their future. By trading Bridges, the Nets would receive Evan Fournier’s expiring contract, promising young forward Isaiah Stewart, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2024 draft, and rookie guard Marcus Sasser. This package provides Brooklyn with financial flexibility, young talent, and valuable draft capital.
Acquiring Mikal Bridges would significantly enhance the Detroit Pistons’ defensive capabilities while adding a reliable scorer to their lineup. Bridges’ ability to play off the ball complements Cade Cunningham’s playmaking, creating a dynamic pairing with Jaden Ivey filling the backcourt. His experience and defensive prowess would also mentor younger players and help establish a strong defensive culture in Detroit.
Trading away Isaiah Stewart, Evan Fournier, Marcus Sasser, and the No. 5 pick is a substantial cost, but the immediate upgrade in defense and three-point shooting could fast-track the Pistons’ rebuilding process and make them more competitive in the Eastern Conference.
A Brand New Start For Dejounte Murray
Detroit Pistons receive: Dejounte Murray
Atlanta Hawks receive: No. 5 overall pick, Evan Fournier, Quentin Grimes, 2026 first-round pick
Dejounte Murray averaged 22.5 points, 6.4 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 45.9% from the field and 36.3% from three-point range. His ability to contribute across multiple stat categories makes him an invaluable asset for a potential move to the Pistons.
The Atlanta Hawks ended the 2023-24 season with a 36-46 record, finishing 10th in the Eastern Conference. Despite a challenging season, the Hawks managed to secure the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, adding a significant opportunity to their rebuilding efforts. There have been numerous trade rumors involving key players as the Hawks seek to retool their roster around Trae Young.
For the Detroit Pistons, acquiring Dejounte Murray would be a substantial upgrade at the point guard position. Pairing Murray with Cade Cunningham would create a formidable backcourt duo, enhancing both offensive and defensive capabilities. Murray’s defensive skills and playmaking ability would complement Cunningham’s scoring and versatility, making the Pistons a more balanced and competitive team.
Trading away Evan Fournier, Quentin Grimes, and two first-round picks is a considerable cost. However, the immediate impact of adding an All-Star caliber player like Murray could accelerate Detroit’s rebuilding process. His experience and leadership would significantly benefit the development of the Pistons’ young core.
Adding Dejounte Murray to the Detroit Pistons provides a significant boost in both backcourt talent and defensive intensity. While the trade package is substantial, the potential benefits of acquiring a proven All-Star make it a strategic move for Detroit’s future success. This trade sets the Pistons on a path to becoming a more competitive force in the Eastern Conference.
Elevating The Backcourt With Anfernee Simons
Detroit Pistons receive: Anfernee Simons
Portland Trail Blazers receive: 2024 No. 5 overall pick, Evan Fournier, Quentin Grimes, 2026 first-round pick
Anfernee Simons is a rising star in the NBA, known for his scoring prowess and playmaking abilities. During the 2023-24 season with the Portland Trail Blazers, Simons averaged 22.6 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game. He also shot 43.0% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range, highlighting his efficiency and shooting capability.
The Portland Trail Blazers ended the 2023-24 season with a 19-47 record, placing them 14th in the Western Conference. The team is in the midst of a rebuilding phase, and acquiring high-value assets is crucial for their future.
Trading Simons would provide the Blazers with Evan Fournier’s expiring contract, a young talent in Quentin Grimes, and two valuable first-round picks (2024 No. 5 overall and a 2026 first-round pick). This trade package offers Portland significant flexibility and potential to build around their young core of Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, with two top-ten picks in the upcoming draft.
Acquiring Anfernee Simons would be a significant boost to the Pistons’ backcourt. Pairing Simons with Cade Cunningham would create a dynamic and high-scoring guard duo, enhancing both offensive and playmaking capabilities. Simons’ ability to score efficiently and distribute the ball would complement Cunningham’s versatility, making the Pistons a more balanced and competitive team.
The immediate impact of adding a talented young player like Simons could accelerate Detroit’s rebuilding process. His scoring and playmaking skills would significantly benefit the development of the Pistons’ young core and provide a solid foundation for future success.
