The Detroit Pistons are cruising through the 2025-26 NBA season. The team has currently secured a 15-2 win-loss record to kick off their campaign, easily emerging as a top contender this year.
The team has fans impressed with their consistency, currently on an exciting 13-win streak. However, if the Pistons choose to, they can still trade to strengthen their claim for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
NBA Insider Links Detroit Pistons to Utah Jazz Player
In his recent report, NBA insider Jake Fischer discussed the Pistons and their impressive 15-2 start. If they try, they can easily dominate the Eastern Conference this year.
Of course, a few in-season trades can only help them achieve their goals.
According to Fischer, even rival NBA executives have a player in mind for the Pistons.
“The Pistons certainly have the disposable salary, luxury tax wiggle room and draft capital to go big-fish hunting if they really wanted to,” Fischer wrote. “And, yes, rival executives have frequently suggested Utah’s Lauri Markkanen as an ideal player for the Pistons to target.”
Fischer saw Markkanen as an obvious choice for the team, particularly given the Pistons’ needs.
“Utah dangled Markkanen on the trade block two summers ago before inking the high-scoring forward to a massive extension,” Fischer continued. “Then last June, Detroit was said to be weighing free agent runs at a variety of 7-foot floor spacers, from Naz Reid to Myles Turner and Santi Aldama.”
An interesting connection also arises with Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who previously coached Markkanen in Cleveland. Fischer also pointed out that Trajan Langdon, the Pistons’ lead decision-maker, had spotted Markkanen back when he was a restricted free agent. Back then, though, Langdon was with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Furthermore, averaging a career-high 28.5 points (seventh in the league), 6.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game this season, the Finnish star had a stellar start to the new season.
Having said that, the Jazz won’t trade away their cornerstone player so easily.
According to Fischer, if the trade does take place, the Jazz will require Ausar Thompson. The Jazz have reportedly been interested in Thompson for a long time, especially since he can bring them some longevity.
The Pistons, of course, might not want to trade Thompson. “The Jazz hope to be competitive in 2026-27 and have signaled to rival teams that any trade offers they are prepared to consider — whether they target Markkanen or otherwise — have to keep them competitive,” the report revealed.
With the new season gearing up and teams looking to make significant changes, the Pistons might want to act quickly while they still have the chance to acquire Markkanen.
