Before the Detroit Pistons can make a splash this offseason, they, along with the rest of the league, are waiting for the biggest domino of the offseason to fall.
All eyes are on Giannis Antetokounmpo as the Milwaukee Bucks prepare to offload the two-time MVP, and according to multiple reports, the rest of the league is waiting for a deal to be finalized, considering it will almost certainly have ripple effects around the NBA.
Obviously, we've known for months that the Miami Heat are one of the top teams pursuing the Greek Freak, but with their rather lackluster offer built around Tyler Herro for the Bucks' superstar, all indications suggest Milwaukee is waiting and hoping a better deal comes along.
For the Heat to get this deal over the finish line, it feels like a third team will almost have to get involved to help facilitate a trade, more specifically, take on Herro.
And if Miami truly is desperate, the Pistons may be perfectly set up to capitalize on their desperation.
Pistons could land Tyler Herro for cheaper than expected
The Pistons' interest in Tyler Herro isn't exactly new information.
Still, Detroit has seemingly turned their attention to other options since then, with New Orleans Pelicans star Trey Murphy III being the team's latest confirmed target.
If the Bucks are really pushing for the Heat to find a third team to sweeten the pot, the Pistons very well could be that squad.
Detroit is in the market for an offensive boost to pair alongside Cade Cunningham, and Herro fits the bill.
At 26, the Kentucky product is among one of the best shooters in the league, and he's proven to be a capable playmaker, averaging 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists this season on 48% shooting from field goal range and 37.8% from three.
Dealing for Herro straight up with Miami feels impossible for several reasons.
For starters, negotiating with Pat Riley is like talking to a wall. The long-time executive doesn't budge on his asking price, and he's often more willing to keep his pride intact rather than finding middle ground to make a trade.
On the other hand, Riley and the Heat are determined to offload Herro in efforts to bring back a star, one that Detroit isn't willing to offer.
All that to say, that's the perfect reason for the Pistons to get in on this trade.
The Bucks don't want to bring Herro back due to their lack of desire to extend the guard, but the Pistons would have interest. Miami doesn't really care about the value for Herro because, in the end, they'd be landing Antetokounmpo, which would be the prize of this entire deal.
So if the Pistons just have to step in, offer their first-round pick, maybe additional draft compensation, and enough salary to make a framework feasible, it could be worth their time to land Herro at a much lower price than expected.
Not to mention, the Heat have almost certainly burnt a bridge with Herro that, at this point, all sides involved likely prefer a fresh start.
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