Jazz Seen as Natural Fit for Pistons, but Utah’s Price Remains High
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Several front-office figures around the NBA believe Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen would be an ideal acquisition for the Detroit Pistons, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Detroit explored the market for stretch big men earlier this offseason, checking on Naz Reid, Myles Turner and Santi Aldama. Markkanen, a 7-footer who averaged 25.6 points and 8.6 rebounds last season, fits the same floor-spacing profile.
The Pistons also have direct ties to the Finnish All-Star. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff oversaw Markkanen’s breakout year with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and new head of basketball operations Trajan Langdon previously weighed a restricted-free-agency pursuit while in the New Orleans Pelicans’ front office.
Despite the apparent match, momentum toward a deal is limited. Fischer reports that Langdon has emphasized patience both publicly and privately, signaling that a major in-season move is unlikely. Additionally, league sources told Fischer that Utah would require rookie wing Ausar Thompson in any Markkanen package — a proposal Detroit is not willing to consider.
Utah’s stance reflects the organization’s high opinion of Thompson; the Jazz even discussed moving up in the 2023 draft to select him, Fischer added.
For now, the speculation persists, but no substantive talks are believed to be underway.
Source: Hoops Wire
