The Detroit Pistons -- who have pick No. 21 -- should try to trade up in this year’s draft and land a guy who could help Cade Cunnigham for years to come: Brayden Burries. It wouldn’t be easy. The Pistons would probably have to trade up into the top 10 to land him. But if they could find a way, Burries would be an ideal fit alongside Cunningham moving forward.
Burries was a freshman at Arizona this past year, and he played himself into top-10 consideration heading into the 2026 NBA Draft. He’s a shot-creator. He plays with great energy. He can shoot the ball well from behind the arc. Offensively, he projects to be a great fit next to Cunningham’s ball-handling and playmaking.
The Pistons would just have to go up and get him.
Pistons should explore dream trade up for Brayden Burries
It’s weird to be talking about top-tier draft prospects just a few weeks removed from the Pistons vying for an Eastern Conference finals spot. But that’s where we are.
In the NBA, it’s all about the present. And for the Pistons right now, the present is about figuring out how to maximize Cunningham’s chances at leading a team to a championship in the near future.
This past year at Arizona, Burries played great. And his style of play could pair beautifully alongside Cunningham, should the Pistons find a way to get him.
The freshman appeared in 39 games (all starts, playing 29.8 minutes per contest), averaging 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and only 1.5 turnovers while shooting 49.1% from the floor and 39.1% from deep range on 4.6 three-point attempts per contest.
Burries’ skill set is exactly the type that could help the Pistons with their future goals. The question is, what team would be willing to trade out of the top 10 to let the Pisons in?
Would the Bucks, who don’t have much future draft capital, trade back from pick No. 10 in exchange for a young player and/or future draft capital? What about the Golden State Warriors at pick No. 11?
Would the Pistons have to get higher up in the draft? Do they have a way to lure in the LA Clippers at pick No. 5? Or could they get the Atlanta Hawks (No. 8) or Dallas Mavericks (No. 9) to trade back with them?
It may seem like a long shot, but the Pistons should at least try. Burries projects to be an ideal player for them, especially considering their need for offense next to Cunningham.
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