Zach Lowe carries a huge trade package for Detroit’s Trey Murphy III

The The emergence of the Detroit Pistons as a contender at the top of the Eastern Conference standings has intensified speculation about whether the franchise could make a big trade, and one prominent league analyst believes Detroit is well-positioned to make a bold move.

Following The Pistons beat the New York Knicks 121-90 on Monday night, leading them to 27-9 and the second-best record in the NBA, Zach Lowe outlined a hypothetical blockbuster centered on New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III on the last episode of the Zack Lowe show.

“I think they should push for it,” Lowe said. “And this is just me talking, like I can get Trey Murphy III.” Tobias Harris and some first round picks, maybe three first round picks and a trade and Ivey. I think a lot about doing it. Three spades is a lot. Okay, those are my choices, I have to use them at some point. The rubber could find its way to Ausar Thompson and Isaiah Stewart. Because I could specifically see if it was New Orleans since Troy Weaver was in Detroit and drafted a couple of those guys. I could see one of those guys being wanted. I’m not trading Auzar Thompson.”

Trey Murphy III’s production shapes a potential Pistons-Pelicans trade

Murphy, 25, is in the first season of a four-year, $112 million deal and is making $25 million this year. He was one of the lone bright spots for the Pelicans during a difficult season, averaging 20.7 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game while recording a career-high 1.6 steals. Murphy is shooting 49.4 percent from the field and 38.4 percent from three-point range while playing 35.5 minutes per game in 34 contests.

His production came amid significant team struggles. New Orleans is 8-29 and riding a seven-game losing streak, putting its long-term direction under scrutiny.

Any potential roster would likely include veteran Tobias Harris, who is in the final year of a two-year, $52 million deal. Harris is averaging 13.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game while shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three in 23 games. His $26.3 million salary comes off the books after the season, making him a logical pairing in trade discussions.

Lowe’s script is also included Poor Iveywhose role has changed since returning from a fractured fibula in his left leg suffered last January. Ivey was in the midst of a career-best season before injury cut it short, averaging 17.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 46 percent from the field and 40.9 percent from three in 29.9 minutes in 30 appearances.

This season, Ivey has struggled to regain that level of production. Now coming off the bench, the 23-year-old is averaging 8.4 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 46.4 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from the bench in 16.5 minutes in 21 games. He is in the final year of his four-year, $32.9 million rookie contract and is set to enter restricted free agency next summer after making $10.1 million this season.

For now, the Detroit Pistons will look to extend their momentum when they host the Chicago Bulls (17-19) on Wednesday night as part of a six-game homestand. The New Orleans Pelicans will host the Los Angeles Lakers (22-11) on Tuesday night, before opening a three-game stretch against the Atlanta Hawks (17-21) on Wednesday.