3 ways the Detroit Pistons could benefit from a Kevin Durant trade

The Detroit Pistons could be the trade facilitator

The Pistons could play a role similar to what the Cleveland Cavaliers did in the James Harden trade of 2021, where they sent a couple picks and aging role players while absorbing a larger contract from a solid player in return.

In this trade, the Cavaliers received Jarrett Allen, a first time All-Star this year, and some other players no longer with their team in exchange for Dante Exum and some late picks.

In this scenario, the ‘preferred destinations’ for Kevin Durant are the Phoenix Suns, and the Miami Heat, both teams that have been to the NBA Finals in the last three years, with plenty of contracts that will need to move for this trade to work.

For the Suns, they would likely need to move both Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton to bring in Durant, as well as multiple role players and a plethora of draft picks.

For the Heat, they would have to move Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson and others for the money to work, and, once again, will have to include an immensely large amount of draft capital.

The Pistons could provide depth and cap relief for any other teams involved in this blockbuster trade, potentially including any combination of picks, Corey Joseph and Kelly Olynyk.

Pulling in Mikal Bridges would be the most ideal situation for the team as he can play off the dribble, off ball, and is incredible on defense, although he would likely be dealt to the Nets in this scenario.

Joe Harris, Landry Shamet, Cam Johnson, Duncan Robinson, and Tyler Herro are all far more likely players for the Detroit Pistons to land, making them the best target and a much easier ask for the front office to pull off.

If they make a trade for any of these experienced players, they will fill in the wing depth issue they have on the roster currently while also adding elite floor spacing for Jalen Duren and Cade Cunningham to operate in.