Detroit Pistons: Rockets are making a desperate push for the number one pick

Since landing the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft Lottery, the Detroit Pistons have been the subject of many trade rumors around the league.

It is not unreasonable that these rumors have been floating around. Pistons GM Troy Weaver has stated he does not see a LeBron James type of franchise-changing player in this year’s draft class. After the lottery, the second-year GM made it known the first overall pick was not untouchable.

Most of the lottery teams have reached out to the Pistons front office, to gauge their interest in a potential trade for the number one pick. What these teams have likely found out is,  that Detroit’s asking price is a blockbuster deal they could not refuse.

The so-called ‘Godfather’ offer.

As the July 29th date of the NBA Draft nears, the prospect of Detroit sticking with the number one pick and selecting Oklahoma State’s Cade Cunningham becomes even more certain. Cunningham, a 6-8 point guard/forward whatever you want, has been the presumptive number one pick in this year’s draft class for over a year.

While other teams may begin backing off of their push for the number one pick, one franchise appears to be relentless in their pursuit.

An article by The Athletic‘s Shams Charania (PAID SUBSCRIPTION NEEDED) has reported that the Houston Rockets are being aggressive in their chase for the first overall pick.

"The Rockets have been aggressive in their pursuit of Detroit’s No. 1 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and have also discussed guard Eric Gordon in trade scenarios, sources said. -Shams Charania"

At first glance, this report appears to indicate the Rockets are trying to dump their 32-year-old guard Eric Gordon onto the Pistons in a trade package for the number one pick. However, further clarification has determined the Rockets are looking to move Gordon in a separate trade, in order to obtain more trade assets to offer Detroit.