5 NBA teams that must consider trading for Lauri Markkanen

1) Detroit Pistons

The one and only Eastern Conference team mentioned here, the Detroit Pistons are on the hunt for relevance. Adding Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Malik Beasley, the Pistons have made a concerted effort to add capable shooters around Cade Cunningham. In addition to those moves, Detroit also added fifth overall pick Ron Holland, who is expected to play a major role for the team moving forward.

Adding one more stud shooter with size would solve some of Detroit's issues. Fielding a team featuring Cunningham, Markkanen, Harris, and potentially Jalen Duran would give the Pistons both impressive size and skill.

Jaden Ivey is the most obvious player of value to be dangled in trade talks while Ausar Thompson remains on the table and even Jalen Duran could be had for the right player, according to sources familiar with the team's thinking. Will that be enough for Utah? Perhaps not, but the Pistons also have their own picks from 2026 on that could be sent over in addition to young players.

The Pistons have a long way to go as they look to climb out of the Eastern Conference cellar. They've already taken positive steps toward that goal, but adding a player of Markkanen's caliber would certainly expedite that journey.