The Detroit Pistons are trailing 3-1 in their first-round playoff series, and the answer to their biggest issues is Devin Booker. The Grand Rapids native is an elite scorer, floor spacer, and playmaker, who just saw his Suns get swept by the defending champion Thunder. Booker turns 30 in October. He wants to play his entire career in Phoenix (subscription required), but the Suns aren’t a contender. The Pistons provide the one opportunity that could change his mind.
Detroit is the top seed in the Eastern Conference, but their playmaking behind Cade Cunningham has crushed them in the playoffs. The Pistons have the second-most turnovers and sit 13th of 16 in assists. Cade can’t do it alone. Everyone is seeing that, so changes are coming.
Everything is on the table for the Pistons if they lose this series. Head coach JB Bickerstaff could be fired, and roster upgrades become top priority. Jalen Duren is a restricted free agent, and his new deal is a question mark after his playoff struggles. Detroit has tried adding role players. That isn’t enough. They need a star, and Booker is the answer.
Devin Booker should be available to be the Pistons' second star
The Suns haven’t won a playoff game since 2023 and were not competitive against the Thunder. They are in a sticky cap situation after waiving-and-stretching Bradley Beal. Mat Ishbia traded all the draft picks, so Phoenix has no path to upgrading their roster. Booker can keep leading a team that barely squeaks into the playoffs, but his only path to title contention is a trade.
The 29-year-old averaged 26.1 points, 6.0 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.8 steals in 33.5 minutes per game this season. Book is a career 35.2 percent 3-point shooter, who led his team to the NBA Finals in 2021. He knows how to win and can thrive in the playoffs. Fans saw Booker play a key role for Team USA in the 2024 Olympics. He has to be eager to get on the biggest stage in the NBA again.
This would be the perfect match. Booker is comfortable being the second option or taking over. The Pistons would have a dynamic one-two punch that would help open the middle for Duren. It would be pricey, but Detroit has make a move after this disastrous series against the Magic.
Blockbuster trades often happen when two teams are at a crossroads. This situation describes that perfectly. The Suns are destined to be stuck in the middle if they stay the course. Detroit needs a superstar. Bringing the five-time All-Star home to Michigan is in everyone’s best interest.
The Detroit Pistons have a clear runway to trade for Devin Booker after the Suns were swept in the first round of the playoffs. Detroit’s struggles and need for a second star make this more likely. All the Pistons must do is convince Booker it is finally time to leave Phoenix and try to chase a ring. It shouldn’t be too difficult, especially when it means coming back home.
Add us as a preferred source on Google