If you know a Detroit Pistons fan, offer them some sympathy. This is the worst team in the NBA – again.
Everyone knows that a rebuild can take a long time. With that said, this rebuild seems to be taking a little bit too long.
What should the Pistons do? Conventional wisdom says that they should stay patient. The Pistons might as well punt on the 2023-24 season and try again next year. Sure. Try telling that to the stockholders.
The Pistons might be desperate. At this point, any change might be a positive one. Detroit may throw caution to the wind and make a win-now move.
Could that move be for Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz?
NBA Trade Proposal: Detroit Pistons Land Utah Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz Receive: G/F Joe Harris, G Jaden Ivey, 2026 First-Round Pick (DET), 2028 First-Round Pick (DET)
Detroit Pistons Receive: F Lauri Markkanen
Rebuilds take time. Fans are advised to be patient. With that said, some rebuilds don’t even take off. Patience may be a virtue, but sometimes, it can run thin.
After all, losing impacts a team. It can impact development. Moreover, it can impact morale. Players get tired of losing. They’d rather not look bad. Eventually, they may request trades if a team can’t get it together.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons Updates
At the same time, you don’t want to rush a rebuild, either. In the end, it’s a balancing act. Still, one thing is clear – this Pistons rebuild is not going well.
Should the team call the rebuild off?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
The Pistons could make a big trade. They shouldn’t do that hastily. Any player they’re acquiring should fit with the rest of their squad. Moreover, they shouldn’t be old. This team isn’t ready to make a title push.
Markkanen fits on both fronts. He’s a perfect fit for this roster as a floor-spacing forward who can create his own shot. Moreover, Markkanen is in the thick of his prime. The Pistons aren’t forking over assets for a player who’s going to be declining any time soon.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons Updates
So, why not make a move for him? Head coach Monty Williams doesn’t trust Ivey anyway. This deal should help the Pistons move toward respectability.
What does it do for the Jazz?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
Teams can err in being too patient with their rebuild. On the other hand, refusing to rebuild at all can be a problem in its own right. Look at the Jazz. This team traded Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert just last summer.
Yet, somehow, this team doesn’t feel like they’re rebuilding. On the other hand, they are losing. With that in mind, Utah might as well launch into a wholesale rebuild.
It’s been reported that they’re apprehensive about moving Markkanen, but at the right price, they may want to reconsider that position. This feels like the right price.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons Updates
The Pistons may not trust Ivey, but he has flashed star potential over his brief career so far. Throw in a pair of first and an expiring deal, and this trade could motivate the Pistons to properly rebuild. Just give their fans some sympathy if they lose Markkanen.
