TITLE: Eastern Conference Roundup: Markkanen Fits Pistons’ Wish List, Banchero Nearing Return, Portland Fire Hire Donaldson, Queta’s Impact on Celtics
SLUG: markkanen-pistons-banchero-donaldson-queta-update
CONTENT:
Rival front offices continue to identify Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen as a prime trade target for the Detroit Pistons, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reports. Detroit explored stretch-big options over the summer—looking at Naz Reid, Myles Turner, and Santi Aldama—and several factors make Markkanen a logical fit. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff previously worked with the 7-footer in Cleveland, and head of basketball operations Trajan Langdon tried to sign him during 2021 restricted free agency while with New Orleans.
Despite that interest, sources tell Fischer that Langdon has been signaling patience. The Jazz are expected to ask for third-year wing Ausar Thompson in any Markkanen package, but Detroit has no intention of moving the promising defender. Utah, according to the report, considered trading up for Thompson in the 2023 draft.
Injury Update: Banchero Sits Again
The Orlando Magic will keep Paolo Banchero out for a seventh consecutive game Tuesday against Philadelphia because of a groin strain, The Orlando Sentinel’s Jason Beede tweets. Speaking before Sunday’s loss in Boston, the All-Star forward said his recovery is progressing. “The groin feels really good,” Banchero noted, adding that he feels “pretty close” to a return without committing to a date.
WNBA: Portland Fire Add Donaldson
The WNBA’s Portland Fire have hired Brittni Donaldson as an assistant coach and assistant general manager, Sean Highkin of Rose Garden Report relays. Donaldson spent the past two seasons on Quin Snyder’s staff in Atlanta and entered this year in a front-office role with the Hawks as director of basketball development, methodology, and integration.
Celtics Relying on Queta
Neemias Queta has started all 17 games at center for the Boston Celtics. According to NBC Sports Boston, the club is outscoring opponents by 16.4 points per 100 possessions when he plays and being outscored by 4.6 when he sits. Queta exited Sunday’s contest with an ankle injury, prompting writer Chris Forsberg to examine Boston’s frontcourt options should the 26-year-old miss time.
The situations surrounding Markkanen, Banchero, Donaldson, and Queta remain fluid as teams move through the early stages of the 2025-26 season.
Source: Hoops Rumors
