Detroit Pistons Target Trey Murphy III, Austin Reaves in Trade Moves

The Detroit Pistons are shifting their focus from free agency to the trade market as they look to reshape their roster this summer according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line. With restricted free agents Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson set to become eligible for rookie scale contract extensions on July 6, the team is exploring trade opportunities to add proven contributors.

Detroit has been linked to both Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans and Austin Reaves of the Dallas Mavericks. Both players offer shooting versatility and defensive upside that could complement the Pistons’ young core. Murphy, 24, averaged 12.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game in 2023-24 while shooting 38.7% from three-point range. Reaves, 25, averaged 12.8 points and 3.8 assists per game while shooting 38.3% from beyond the arc.

Jalen Duren is expected to receive a rookie-scale extension worth around $40 million per season when it becomes available on July 6. The extension would lock in the 2022 first-round pick for the long term and provide financial stability for the Pistons’ rebuild. Duren averaged 10.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game in 2023-24 while showing flashes of his potential as a two-way forward.

Ausar Thompson, who averaged 7.6 points and 3.5 rebounds in his rookie season, is also eligible for an extension on July 6. A deal for Thompson could help solidify Detroit’s backcourt depth and provide continuity with the team’s young core.

The Pistons have not ruled out multiple trade moves to bolster their roster before the July 25 trade deadline. New Orleans and Dallas have both been vocal about their interest in retooling their rosters, which could give Detroit leverage in any potential deal. Both Murphy and Reaves are under contract through 2025-26, with Reaves set to become a free agent in 2025.

With a projected mid-six-figure luxury tax bill and cap space flexibility, the Pistons have room to make a splash before the July 25 deadline. The team’s front office is expected to remain active as it looks to surround its young stars with proven role players.

July 6 marks a key date for Detroit’s roster building with Duren and Thompson eligible for extensions. The team will also monitor the trade market for any potential additions before the July 25 deadline.