The Detroit Pistons are still alive, but they remain recognized as one of the most disappointing teams throughout the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
As the first seed in the Eastern Conference, the Pistons are trailing and can’t afford a loss without elimination for the final two games of the first round.
Win or lose–the first round is exposing some notable concerns for the Pistons–which could mean some notable changes in the offseason.
For the most part, Detroit’s front office has strayed away from making ultra-aggressive moves. Betting on the young core without making any premature decisions was the strategy that Detroit’s front office has stuck to.
But if the Pistons fail to capitalize on a run as the East’s top seed, they have more than enough evidence to prove they need to make some notable moves to keep Cade Cunningham happy.
NBA Insider Reveals Possible Targets
GettySALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – NOVEMBER 23: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz reacts after missing a shot during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Delta Center on November 23, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
As the Pistons trailed 3-1 against the Magic, ESPN’s Shams Charania tossed out two names that make sense for the Pistons. If not them, then Detroit could look at somebody with that “profile.”
“Look at the profile of the player, Lauri Markkanen and Trey Murphy, those are guys in their 20s in the prime of their career,” Charania said on Get Up. “You want players that fit the mold of Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren. That doesn’t mean you’re not opportunistic if you can get an older type veteran player.”
Markkanen’s name has been frequently brought up for Detroit in the past, but it’s probably too late for that.
Not only did Markkanen sign a long-term deal with the Jazz, knowing the timing prevented him from getting traded last season, but the Jazz took a similar route as the Toronto Raptors in 2025-2026: make win-now moves at the trade deadline with the idea of competing next season in mind. It worked out for the Raptors. The Jazz are going to want to see it through with Markkanen.
GettyNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 26: Trey Murphy III #25 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after scoring a three point basket during the first quarter of a 2025 Emirates NBA Cup game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Smoothie King Center on November 26, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
When it comes to Murphy, he’s on a Pelicans team that slapped an untouchable label on him for the time being. The veteran is currently entering year three of a four-year, $112 million deal.
In the NBA, a lot can change when it comes to players of all calibers. The Pistons might not be able to snag Markkanen or Murphy, but that’s the type they’ll hunt for when the offseason rolls around.