Rival executives have frequently mentioned Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen as an ideal trade target for the Pistons, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link), who suggests that there are a number of reasons why Markkanen and Detroit would be a logical match.
As Fischer writes, the Pistons explored the market for floor-spacing big men over the summer, with Naz Reid, Myles Turner, and Santi Aldama among the players they considered pursuing at the time. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff also coached Markkanen in Cleveland. And Pistons head of basketball operations Trajan Langdon wanted to go after Markkanen in restricted free agency in 2021 when he was working under David Griffin in New Orleans’ front office, sources tell Fischer.
Still, as Fischer points out, Langdon has projected patience both publicly and privately, so it would come as a bit of a surprise if his front office looks to make a massive in-season move on the trade market. Fischer also hears that the Jazz would likely seek Ausar Thompson in any deal involving Markkanen and says the Pistons have no interest in moving the promising third-year wing. Sources tell The Stein Line that Utah considered trading up for Thompson during the 2023 draft.
Here’s more from around the Eastern Conference:
- The Magic have ruled out Paolo Banchero (left groin strain) for a seventh straight game on Tuesday vs. Philadelphia, tweets Jason Beede of The Orlando Sentinel, but the star forward believes his return isn’t far off. “I think I’m in a good spot, just doing some movement stuff,” Banchero told Beede prior to Sunday’s loss in Boston. “The groin feels really good so the recovery’s been going well. … I’m definitely, pretty close. I don’t know when but definitely feeling close.”
- The WNBA’s Portland Fire have hired Brittni Donaldson as an assistant coach and assistant general manager, as Sean Highkin of the Rose Garden Report relays (via Twitter). Donaldson, who spent two seasons on Quin Snyder‘s coaching staff as an assistant from 2023-25, took on a front office role this fall entering her third year with the Hawks. Her title was director of basketball development, methodology, and integration.
- While it might be an overstatement to say that Neemias Queta is the Celtics‘ most irreplaceable player, it’s not entirely outrageous, according to Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston. Queta has been Boston’s starting center for all 17 games so far this season and the team has outscored opponents by 16.4 points per 100 possessions when he’s on the court. When he’s not playing, the Celtics are being outscored by 4.6 points per 100 possessions. After Queta left Sunday’s game with an ankle injury, Forsberg examines the Celtics’ options in the event the 26-year-old has to miss time.
Im torn on Lauri today with the Keyonte George uprising
W/out George tiering up Id easily be in the sell category but the math has changed for me today- Ace looking good too
Utahs biggest problem today is Will Hardy being too damn good to secure that top 8 protected pick…kidding ofc but man they really do need to keep that pick somehow someway. Its too bad Okc’s cap sheet is so clean and they dont need their backs scratched to get it back and play to win
Okc could have 2 top 10 picks next year with minmal luck Clippers and Utah…yikes!!!! Plus Phillys and their own !
If they can get Thompson, Harris’ expiring contract and a pick they should be fine with trading Markannen. For Lauri’s sake I hope they don’t because he really likes living in Utah though.
Lauri makes lots of moola… how could Pistons match salary
Tobias Harris +
Why would Utah do that. They are losing with him so there is no incentive to trade. They just need a few more pieces. This draft should do them well. The team with the worst record has not won the lottery in a few years. They are not rewarding teams for tanking. So if they are bottom 7 they developed and still get a good pick. Stay the course they will be pushing playoffs or play in next season
Utah always needs a few more pieces.
Tobis and Stew
Neemias Queta is sure doing the job for the Celts this year! The only stats the Celtics rank high in, besides committing the fewest turnovers per game (thank you Coach!), is number of tips and great screens. Thank you Neemias.
I don’t see Utah keeping Markkanen this year. Danny is all about another tank.
Harris, LeVert, Thompson ……. I do it
For Markkanen, Collier …..
They got punished for tanking already on top of that The team with the worst record hasn’t won the lottery in years. Actually the team with the worst two records haven’t won. So as long as their bottom seven they should be okay and get a really good pic. I just don’t see what you trade Markkanen for? They already have Cleveland and Minnesota’s picks. Plus they have at least one more lottery pic of their own for this year and after that with the pieces they have. Ace Bailey and George taking a step I see them getting better for next year.
Not really sure why Detroit gives up Thompson if you’re going to bring in Markkanen. Also he is not a scorer and they have Ace. If you’re Utah just stay the course you’re developing and losing naturally by them actually being in games and just losing down the stretch due to them being young. That’s the best way to develop, not just throwing guys out there just to shoot and score whenever they can.