Whether the Detroit Pistons fell short in the second round or not, it was clear that Trajan Langdon would have to find Cade Cunningham a viable running mate this offseason.
Knocking off the Cleveland Cavaliers would have given Detroit the perfect pathway to a dream Donovan Mitchell trade, but collapsing in Game 7 seemed to take the possibility off the table with the Cavs reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since the LeBron James era came to an end.
However, with Cleveland facing the possibility of a sweep against the New York Knicks in the ECF, Detroit's dream acquisition of Mitchell once again seems very much alive, and it could come courtesy of Cleveland being forced to have a reality check of their own.
Knicks could force the Cavaliers to reevaluate their roster
Trading Darius Garland abruptly for James Harden ahead of the NBA trade deadline alone offered plenty of questions, but the move itself seemed to suggest Cleveland was tired of falling short and felt the left-hander could get them over the hump.
Nonetheless, after a 20-point fourth-quarter collapse in Game 1 and being dominated in Game 2, the Cavaliers are two games away from joining the Pistons in the offseason and having to self-reflect.
The addition of Harden alone limited the Cavs' championship window due to his age, and with rumors already swirling about Mitchell potentially wanting out, a full sweep in the conference finals could be the final breaking point.
If that is the case, Detroit should jump at the opportunity to add the star guard, not just because he's proven capable of being the top option on a playoff team, but because he'd make life easy enough on Cunningham for Detroit to truly see how close they are to an NBA Finals run.
Donovan Mitchell would elevate Cade Cunningham
Cunningham thrives with the ball in his hands, but he also prides himself on creating for his teammates and making the right decisions with the ball.
Landing a talent like Mitchell to pair in the backcourt would put immense pressure on opposing defenses with the simple fact that they'd have to account for the 1-2 punch of Mitchell and Cunningham. That alone would create even more opportunities for the Pistons' star to take another leap.
Cunningham is already viewed as a long-term MVP candidate, but adding a running mate like Mitchell to remove the offensive burden he carries, Detroit could unlock another level for the former top pick.
The addition of Mitchell would be a major boost in the Pistons championship dreams.
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