Bleacher Report has proposed a blockbuster trade that would pair Cade Cunningham with Lauri Markkanen and Colin Sexton. Next we will look at the pros and cons of Detroit making a deal as such.

Lauri Markkanen as often been referenced as the quintessential perfect player to complement the trajectory that Cade Cunningham is advancing towards. His ascension to superstardom has put Detroit in the position to make a playoff push a lot sooner than most expected. Markkanen is a floor spacing big who has the ability to shoulder heavy usage rates but is comfortable moving without the ball and getting open off screens to spot up or roll to the basket. He is also a versatile defender that can comfotably guard a number of different positions. The Pistons would also obtain Colin Sexton who is capable of starting in a pinch, but also can be an instant scoring option off the bench. These two players would be considered veterans, but they’re still young enough to fit the timeline of a budding team that is ready to advance to the next level of contention. Markkanen was locked up this past offseason on a massive 4 year deal totaling $195 million.

Bleacher Report propose an off-season trade for the Detroit Pistons landing them Lauri Markkanen what do you guys think of this?

I personally think it's too high but would love to hear everyone's thoughts and opinions on this mock trade pic.twitter.com/gBgwJXtBM5

— Pistons Talk (@Pistons__Talk) March 14, 2025

The Pistons would pulling the plug on a Cade Cunningham back court combination that has been heavily scrutinized and critiqued about where it suits their characteristics. The duo was beginning to shape into form but broken left fibula injury by Ivey derailed any newly established synergy post Monty Williams regime. The Pistons would also lose a lot of what has made them successful this year. The energy and grit of Ron Holland and Isaiah Stewart has developed a culture on the second unit that embodies toughness and a no-nonsense attitude. Holland is a 19 year old lottery pick that has some growing and developing to do but has settled into his role well under the tutelage of vets. Lastly the Pistons would part ways with Tobias Harris. A veteran glue guy that has provided offensive and defensive versatility to the starting lineup this year. He expressed a large interest in returning to Detroit for a second stint and has made good on his signing thus far this season.

In the end, The Pistons have the potential to spring board their timeline with the hypothetical trade but should certainly be cautious of any trade proposed by Danny Ainge given his reputation for fleecing teams.In addition, they ought to be weary of disrupting the strong chemistry and morale they’ve created in just a short time. Detroit is ahead of schedule and can stand to take their time in developing a solid team with balance and the construction to contend for years to come. Needless to say, this trade would’ve been deemed a no-brainer for Detroit at the start of the regular season but there’s much to considered at this juncture before pulling the trigger on a major deal.