Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen linked to Pistons, but price remains steep

Rival executives keep bringing up the same name when talking about potential Pistons trade targets: Lauri Markkanen.

Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reports that Markkanen is viewed around the league as a natural fit in Detroit, and the reasons are pretty obvious.

The Pistons spent part of the summer poking around the market for floor-spacing bigs like Naz Reid, Myles Turner and Santi Aldama.

Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff coached Markkanen during his breakout run in Cleveland. And head of basketball operations Trajan Langdon once explored signing him in restricted free agency while working in New Orleans’ front office.

So there’s real familiarity. And Detroit’s roster, suddenly loaded with athletes and slashers, could certainly use an elite shooter at the four.

But that doesn’t mean anything is close.

Fischer notes that Langdon has preached patience both publicly and behind the scenes, making a major midseason swing feel unlikely.

And the Jazz likely wouldn’t entertain offers unless they include Ausar Thompson — a non-starter for Detroit, Fischer adds.

In fact, Fischer says Utah even considered trading up for Thompson in the 2023 draft, which tells you how highly the Jazz value him.

So for now, it’s a rumor with legs. Just not legs that are likely walking anywhere soon.