Potential Pistons trade target snatched off market after NBA draft

If the Detroit Pistons want to try to land a star-caliber player, the trade market will be their best bet.

The Atlanta Hawks were a team to watch from Detroit’s perspective, given that there is a sell-off after ATL landed the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft.

Despite employing a star duo of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, the Hawks have reportedly gone their separate ways throughout the 2023-2024 NBA season. Instead, they gave the couple one last chance. After Atlanta missed the playoffs, the Hawks decided to let the first domino fall after the 2024 NBA Draft.

Dejounte Murray is traded and lands with the New Orleans Pelicans. According to ESPN Adrian Wojnarowski, Hawks bring in Larry Nance Jr., Dyson Daniels and several first-round picks.

Meanwhile, Murray lands on a Pelicans team that is once again looking to contend for a playoff spot next year.

For the Pistons, there wasn’t much motivation behind a potential talk between Detroit and Atlanta. While Murray could have been a good partner alongside Cade Cunningham, and could have become the best player to share the court with the former first overall pick since arriving in Detroit, Murray’s dream is over for those who lived.

But the Pistons did learn Friday that the Hawks were willing to commit. With Atlanta still sporting an All-Star point guard in Trae Young, interested suitors could look to pry him away from the Hawks.

Young’s place in Detroit wouldn’t make much sense. Given that he’s been Atlanta’s primary ball-handler since arriving in the NBA in 2018 from Oklahoma, he’d likely land on a team looking for a point guard. Detroit is expected to commit to Cunningham long-term, and he needs the ball in his hands.

The Pistons could still be a sneaky competitor in the Hawks’ market, though. And even if there’s no interest in Trae Young, there may be another top player the Pistons could call up. After all, it has been reported that almost the entire Atlanta roster is for sale.