After being the surprise team in the NBA last season after their historic turnaround, the Detroit Pistons are set to enter the 2025-26 season with high expectations.
Of course, the Pistons finished sixth in the Eastern Conference last season after finishing with the NBA’s worst record the prior two seasons as they were able to make a historic turnaround thanks to the development of their young players and addition of multiple veterans.
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Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) and forward Ausar Thompson (9)© Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Now the Pistons will look to build off last season’s success as they try to land a top seed in the East behind their core of Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris.
Because of this, Detroit may look to make more moves ahead of the trade deadline to upgrade their roster and if that is the case, these three players could be potential targets.
Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen© Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Lauri Markkanen has been in trade rumors over the past few seasons and that has once again been the case this offseason and will likely continue to be the case through the deadline.
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For Detroit, pulling off a trade with the Utah Jazz for Markkanen would likely cost them multiple young players and draft capital, though adding the veteran forward to their roster would give them another star next to Cunningham.
Markkanen is a great scorer, rebounder and defender who would be a major upgrade for the Pistons’ frontcourt while also taking some of the load off Cunningham offensively, which could propel Detroit to a deep playoff run.
C.J. McCollum
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
C.J. McCollum has already been traded once this offseason as the New Orleans Pelicans sent him to the Washington Wizards in the Jordan Poole trade and with Washington still rebuilding, they will likely look to move him again.
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The veteran guard would give the Pistons a reliable scorer next to Cunningham in the backcourt and he would also bring more veteran leadership to their young squad.
It would also likely not cost Detroit a large trade package to land him and his scoring could help them make a deep playoff run this season.
Sam Hauser
Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (30)© Brad Penner-Imagn Images
With the losses of Tim Hardaway Jr. and possibly Malik Beasley in free agency, the Pistons are in need of outside shooting off the bench and Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser could be a potential target for them.
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Of course, Boston has made multiple moves this season to cut salary and Hauser could be another potential player they will look to trade, which could open the door for Detroit.
For Hauser, he is a great 3-point shooter who would give the Pistons a massive offensive boost in their second unit to replace what they have lost in Hardaway Jr. and Beasley.
While Detroit could target these players, they may also elect to keep their current core together as they try to make a push for a top seed in the East this season.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 16, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.