Rival teams have repeatedly brought up Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen as a strong potential trade target for the Pistons, writes Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, who outlines several reasons why Detroit and Markkanen appear to be a natural fit.
According to Fischer, the Pistons already explored adding a shooting big man over the summer, taking looks at Naz Reid, Myles Turner, and Santi Aldama as possible options.
There’s also familiarity on the coaching side – head coach J.B. Bickerstaff previously worked with Markkanen in Cleveland.
Additionally, league sources told Fischer that Trajan Langdon, now running Detroit’s front office, had interest in pursuing Markkanen back in 2021 when the forward hit restricted free agency and Langdon was working under David Griffin in New Orleans.
However, Fischer notes that Langdon has emphasized patience both publicly and behind the scenes, making it somewhat unexpected for Detroit to execute a major in-season deal so early in the team’s retooling process.
He also hears that Utah would likely ask for Ausar Thompson in any trade talks involving Markkanen – and the Pistons have “no interest” in giving up the talented third-year wing.
According to The Stein Line, the Jazz even considered trying to trade up for Thompson during the 2023 draft.
Eastern Notes: Pistons, Markkanen, Banchero, Donaldson, Queta https://t.co/IQKPfjJ3XR pic.twitter.com/waGLBNlrnt
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) November 24, 2025
