After being the feel good story in the 2024-25 season by going from the botton of the NBA standings to a playoff team, the Detroit Pistons‘ development into a title contender has continued this season. Heading into the weekend, they are the No. 1 team in the conference with an impressive 19-5 record. However, there are analysts in league circles who doubt if they have enough to get through the East and reach the NBA Finals in the spring.
That is why the Pistons have popped up in various NBA rumors as we near the start of trade season. This week, NBA insider Marc Stein claimed reports of interest in future Hall of Famer Anthony Davis is overstated. However, in a Thursday follow up, he suggested a floor spacing big is at the top of their wishlist and why they have been linked to Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen.
With that in mind, let’s look at five potential floor stretching big men Trajan Langdon could acquire in the next few weeks.
Lauri Markkanen
Markkanen would be a dream addition. The one-time lottery pick has flourished during his four years in Utah, and after a back step last season, he is having a career year in 2025-26. Averaging 27 points a game and shooting 36% from three. A front court combo with fast-rising young star Jalen Duren could be dynamite.
However, Stein also mentioned in his report, the word from the Jazz is they want to build around the nine year veteran, not move him in a deal this season. Can the Pistons make an offer Danny Ainge can’t refuse?
Myles Turner
Myles Turner was the big offseason move the Milwaukee Bucks made this summer to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy. The plan hasn’t worked, and there is a growing belief the NBA superstar wants out. If Antetokounmpo is moved there has already been speculation the free agent addition could also be traded to help clear even more cap space.
Turner has become one of the better long distance shooters in the game from the center spot over the last few seasons. He would be an interesting combo with Duren, while also bringing more rebounding and rim protection.
Al Horford
The Golden State Warriors had high hopes for Boston Celtics great Al Horford. However, the 39-year-old has looked every bit his age and has disappointed this season. Moving him would not be a surprise and it probably would come at a low-cost. The Pistons are still a very young team. While Horford wouldn’t make a massive impact on the court, he could be a great help in the locker room, to where whatever he can do on the floor would be icing on the cake.
Nikola Vucevic
The Chicago Bulls are expected to move Nikola Vucevic at some point this season. If the Pistons are looking for a rental option for the rest of the campaing, the two-time All-Star would be an intriguing option. At 35 he is still posting 15 and 9 a night while also 38% from three. He will also be motivated by increasing his value for one last sizable contract this summer by being a key part of a contender in the East.
Bobby Portis
If the Bucks go into full sell mode in the next few weeks, another intriguing stretch big option that would be available is 11-year veteran Bobby Portis. The 30-year-old has evolved into one of the best bench scoring bigs in the league and is averaging 12 and nearly 6 rebounds in 22 minutes per game. But most importantly, he is shooting an outstanding 47% from the arc this year.
