Following the 2026 NBA Playoffs, it became evident that the Detroit Pistons require additional offensive firepower alongside Cade Cunningham.
A name frequently floated by NBA analysts as a potential fit for Detroit is Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers.
However, Reaves’ likelihood of departing L.A. appears to shrink with each passing day, so he shouldn’t be counted on. Should Reaves fall out of reach, a proposed trade scenario points to Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. as a potentially valuable alternative.
Detroit Pistons Acquire 24-PPG Co-Star For Cade In Hypothetical NBA Trade
In a mock draft piece published June 13, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley outlines a deal where Detroit would surrender the No. 21 pick to Brooklyn.
Alongside that selection, the Pistons would also part with Ron Holland, Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert, and a 2030 first-round pick swap.
In return, Detroit would bring in both Michael Porter Jr. and Drake Powell.
From Brooklyn’s perspective, the appeal lies in Holland and the draft pick serving as foundational pieces for a roster in transition.
LeVert and Robinson are treated largely as salary-matching components, though the Nets would face minimal long-term commitment. LeVert’s $28.9 million contract comes off the books in 2027.
Robinson is under contract through 2028, but only $2.0 million of his $15.9 million salary for 2026–2027 becomes guaranteed on January 10, 2027 allowing Brooklyn to release him and clear $13.9 million in space.
What Would Motivate The Pistons To Greenlight This Deal?
Buckley notes that adding Porter could provide a major lift to Detroit’s offense, potentially serving as the final piece that pushes them into contender status.
He also points out that including Powell helps soften the loss of Holland, as both are young, athletic, defense-oriented wings with similar developmental profiles.
Porter didn’t exactly compete in high-stakes games during 2025–2026, as Brooklyn struggled overall. Still, the veteran forward put up 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game numbers worthy of All-Star consideration over his seven-year career.
That said, strong stats on a losing team can sometimes mislead front offices into overvaluing a player when competitive pressure rises. What works in Porter’s favor, though, is his track record in a winning environment during his Denver Nuggets days.
Looking back to 2022–2023, when Denver captured the NBA title, Porter averaged 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in the regular season. In the playoffs, those numbers shifted to 13.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, with a 35.1% clip from three-point range serving as the team’s third offensive option.
Across two vastly different team contexts, Porter has proven consistently effective. If Brooklyn shows any willingness to engage in trade discussions for the 28-year-old forward, Detroit would be wise to pursue that opportunity aggressively.
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