The Detroit Pistons have surged into the Eastern Conference picture with a start that has stunned the league, yet their early rise has done little to accelerate the possibility of a major trade for Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen . The forward is widely viewed as a dream target for Detroit . But multiple obstacles stand in the way of any deal.

Detroit has the salary room, draft capital, and roster flexibility to explore a significant move. Rival executives have long pointed to Markkanen as a natural fit . Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff once worked with the Finnish scorer in Cleveland. Moreover, Detroit President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon reportedly pushed New Orleans to pursue Markkanen before his rise in Utah. On the court, his size and shooting make him an ideal

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