The Detroit Pistons' six-game winning streak has them at 8-2 and leading the Eastern Conference, fueling speculation about a potential trade for Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen. Experts on ESPN's 'The Hoop Collective' podcast discussed the possibility, citing the Pistons' salary cap flexibility and need for a second scorer alongside Cade Cunningham. Markkanen is averaging a career-high 28.3 points per game this season.
The Detroit Pistons are riding high after a 111-108 road victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Nov. 9, 2025, improving their record to 8-2 and securing first place in the Eastern Conference. This win extended their winning streak to six games, capitalizing on a weakened East where stars like Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics and Tyrese Halliburton of the Indiana Pacers are limited by Achilles injuries from the 2025 playoffs.
Trade buzz has intensified around acquiring Utah Jazz power forward Lauri Markkanen, who is in his third season with the Jazz after being traded from Cleveland in the Donovan Mitchell deal over three years ago. On ESPN's 'The Hoop Collective' podcast released Friday, analyst Vincent Goodwill floated the idea of the Pistons pursuing Markkanen. "If you are a team like Detroit, do you say, 'you know what, let's call [Jazz CEO of basketball] Danny Ainge and see what it would take?'" Goodwill said. Fellow analyst Brian Windhorst added, "If you're looking for a team that might be sniffing, Detroit's on the list."
Markkanen, 28, is posting career-best numbers with 28.3 points on 45% shooting, 6.1 rebounds, and 2 assists over nine games. He recently signed a four-year, $195.9 million extension in August 2024 and earns $46.4 million this season, with three years left beyond 2025-26. Goodwill suggested a deal could involve Tobias Harris' expiring contract, Jaden Ivey (2026 restricted free agent), Ron Holland, and draft picks to match salaries with the 3-6 Jazz, while preserving young talents like Ausar Thompson.
The Pistons faced Markkanen on Wednesday, holding him to 25 points on 8-for-22 shooting in a 114-103 win. Cade Cunningham's 24 second-half points rallied the team past the 76ers, earning praise from ESPN's Tim Bontemps: "I think Cade's the second-best player in the East." Bontemps highlighted Cunningham's size, control, and defense, though Windhorst favored Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell. Tim MacMahon agreed, noting Cunningham and center Jalen Duren form one of the East's top duos.
On the 'ALL NBA' podcast, Tim Legler raised the Pistons' ceiling to Eastern Conference finals. "I think they're as well-rounded, as complete as anybody else in the Eastern Conference," Legler said. After a 14-win 2023-24 season, the Pistons posted 44 wins in 2024-25, reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2018-19 and winning a postseason game since 2008. They face the Washington Wizards on Nov. 10.