Overview
- On his podcast, Zach Lowe outlined a theoretical Pistons offer of Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey, Ron Holland, four first-round picks and four pick swaps to acquire Lauri Markkanen while keeping Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren.
- Markkanen is averaging 30.6 points through 14 games and is in the first season of a four-year, $195.9 million deal that positions him as Utah’s centerpiece through 2028–29.
- The Pistons are 13-2 with an 11-game win streak and, according to reporting, ownership has prioritized patience and development over rushing into a blockbuster.
- Detroit has the means to pursue a star, sitting about $26 million below the first apron and controlling its first-round picks through 2032, per Spotrac and ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
- Utah’s 5-9 start keeps open the possibility of exploring Markkanen’s market value, while Ivey’s recent G League assignment signals progress in his return for Detroit.