Pistons Trade Deadline: Cade Cunningham Eyes Murphy, Michael Porter Jr

Merlin notes the Pistons (28-9) sit atop the East and face a clear choice: stand pat or push chips at the Feb. 5 deadline. The plan lays out three trade blueprints — a Trey Murphy III package, a Michael Porter Jr. swap, and a Bennedict Mathurin deal — each designed to add scoring and spacing around Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren at the cost of Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey, picks, or cap flexibility. Merlin sees real upside and real risk. Adding a reliable wing would turn Detroit into a true contender, but the moves would spend draft capital, ding short-term payroll rules, and force tough contract decisions. The Pistons have trade exceptions and wiggle room, yet must weigh a one-shot push against preserving the future.