The Detroit Pistons Need One More Piece To Be A True Contender

Two years ago, the Detroit Pistons had their worst season in franchise history, finishing with a 14–68 record, and were the butt of jokes by NBA fans and talk show hosts. This year, they are legitimately a contender to represent the Eastern Conference, currently sitting in first place at 21–5. Cade Cunningham's MVP-caliber season has them looking less like overachievers and more like one of the best teams in the league. But here's the thing: every championship team needs that second star, and the Pistons don't quite have one yet.

Enter Michael Porter Jr., who's been absolutely cooking in Brooklyn this season. The 27-year-old is averaging 25.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game on ridiculous 50/40/80 shooting splits, finally getting the opportunity to be more than just a catch-and-shoot guy. And while his more well-rounded game would be welcomed in Detroit, it is his outside shooting that the Pistons are in search of the most. 

Think about the fit for a second. Cunningham, who, in addition to averaging a career-high 27.1 points, is distributing at an elite level with 9.2 assists per game, but he's working with limited offensive weapons around him. Jalen Duren is developing nicely, but he's not a floor-spacer. Porter's elite shooting and 6'10" frame would give Cunningham a legitimate pick-and-pop threat and another scorer who can take pressure off him in crunch time. Plus, Porter's already proven he can win at the highest level, winning a championship ring in Denver in 2023. 

In order to entice a deal with the Nets, the trade package would likely center around Jaden Ivey, who's struggled with injuries and consistency, plus Isaiah Stewart or Ausar Thompson (though they’d prefer to keep Thompson given his defensive upside) to match salaries. Detroit might need to throw in a future first-rounder, too, given Porter's current production. It's a steep price, but you have to be willing to give up something to get something, and this could be the Pistons' best opportunity for a championship run, considering all of the injuries that have plagued the Eastern Conference.

Brooklyn's clearly in rebuilding mode and would prefer young assets and picks over a 27-year-old on a hefty contract. For Detroit, this is about striking while the iron's hot, as Cunningham is playing at an MVP level right now, and adding a proven scorer like Porter could vault them from Eastern Conference dark horse to legitimate Finals threat.