The Detroit Pistons are entering a pivotal offseason following their 60-win campaign and a second-round playoff exit, with the front office actively exploring ways to upgrade a roster that has established itself as the class of the Eastern Conference. Recent reports from NBA insider Marc Stein indicate the Pistons have a diverse list of trade targets, including several veterans from the Sacramento Kings, as they look to add more shot-creation and shooting around All-Star guard Cade Cunningham .
LaVine Interest, But Skepticism Remains
One name that has surfaced is two-time All-Star guard Zach LaVine, who is entering the final year of his contract and possesses a $48.97 million player option for the 2026-27 season . LaVine averaged 19.2 points while shooting 39 percent from three-point range for the Kings in 2025-26 and has expressed a desire to play in a winning environment . However, sources suggest that while the Pistons could benefit from his offensive firepower, a trade for his massive salary is considered unlikely by analysts and insiders. A trade for LaVine would likely only cost the Pistons second-round picks and matching salaries, but the financial commitment is a significant hurdle .
More Realistic Sacramento Trade Scenarios
The Pistons’ search for a secondary shot-creator and floor-spacer includes other names, and Sacramento appears to be a willing trade partner as the Kings look to shed payroll and rebuild .
One rumored deal that has been revisited centers on a swap of guards: Detroit sending Caris LeVert to Sacramento in exchange for Malik Monk and a second-round pick . The reasoning is straightforward: Monk would provide an immediate scoring and playmaking spark off the bench for the Pistons, taking pressure off Cade Cunningham, while the Kings would acquire an expiring contract in LeVert to create future flexibility . Monk has been in and out of Sacramento’s rotation but shot 39.5% from three this past season .
Other proposed trades have been more substantial. One idea floated by fans and analysts involves the Pistons acquiring Keegan Murray viewed as an elite-shooting, perfect-fit frontcourt player and Malik Monk in exchange for a package including Jaden Ivey and a future first-round pick . This deal would address Detroit’s primary needs for frontcourt shooting and complementary shot-creation while providing Sacramento with a young player in Ivey to build around .
What’s Next?
With the June 29 deadline for Zach LaVine’s player option approaching, clarity on the Kings’ roster situation will likely dictate the pace of trade talks . The Pistons are also monitoring other trade candidates, including Kyrie Irving, Trey Murphy III, Coby White, and Isaiah Joe, but moving pieces like LeVert’s $14.8 million expiring contract could be the most straightforward path to an upgrade . As the offseason progresses, the Pistons appear determined to add the offensive firepower needed to make a deeper playoff run in 2027.
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