The Detroit Pistons have built one of the brightest young cores in the association, but not every player should be deemed untouchable. As Detroit looks to build on a remarkable 60-win regular season campaign, Trajan Langdon has some interesting decisions to make if they are to enter the trade market in order to take another step toward becoming a serious contender. If Langdon does become aggressive, here are the three players that should be completely off the table.
What happened?
Ebuka Okorie hasn’t played a single minute in the NBA, but the Pistons' belief in the 19-year-old is clear to see. The Pistons traded up from No. 21 to No. 17 in the 2026 NBA Draft to select Okorie, giving up future draft capital to make sure they got their guy. This wasn’t a move they necessarily had to make. Guards like Labaron Philon and Christian Anderson Jr, drafted by Philadelphia and Charlotte, respectively, were both available at the time Detroit were on the clock.
Why it matters for Detroit Pistons
Despite both Philon and Anderson being ranked higher in ESPN’s big board rankings, Detroit selected Okorie, showing how much they rate his upside as an understudy to Cade Cunningham. Daniss Jenkins struggled to build on a breakthrough campaign in the playoffs, and the Pistons will be hoping that Okorie can provide a similar spark.
What comes next?
The Pistons will be hoping that Okorie can provide a similar spark to the team, and they will be keeping a close eye on his development. With the team looking to build on their recent success, it will be interesting to see how Okorie fits into the plans.
Last result: Detroit Pistons 94-125 Cleveland Cavaliers (2026-05-18). Recent form (last 5): 2W-0D-3L (LLWWL, most recent first); lost the last 2.
