The Detroit Pistons are in a spot nobody really expected a year ago. After punching their ticket to the playoffs last season and showing real signs of growth, they are suddenly staring down a legitimate opportunity to keep climbing, and a trade for Cam Thomas could be the next step in that direction.
The thing is, the Eastern Conference is going to be quite a bit weaker next season. Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton are both set to miss the entire season, and there may be less competition in the East than usual. It's a perfect opportunity for the Pistons to take their growth and massively accelerate it.
Detroit has spent the last few years stockpiling young talent and trying to figure out how the pieces fit. Cade Cunningham has emerged as the centerpiece, and Jaden Ivey continues to grow into his role alongside him. But even with those two leading the charge, this team could still use one more consistent offensive weapon. Thomas brings that to the table, and the fit is not hard to see.
Cam Thomas could help elevate the Pistons' ceiling
When the Pistons’ offense stalled last year, it was often because there was not someone who could take over as a natural scorer in isolation. That is where Thomas shines. He is not afraid to shoot, and when he gets hot, it changes the entire feel of the game. He would give Detroit a third guard who can play next to either Cunningham or Ivey, and his presence alone would force defenses to stretch themselves thin.
There are also practical reasons this makes sense. The Pistons are not likely to find a player with Thomas’ scoring ability just sitting around waiting to be picked up later. If the price is right and the Nets are willing to move him, Detroit has the assets to make a compelling offer without touching its core. And given how open the East is shaping up to be, sitting still may end up being the bigger risk.
The Pistons have not had a year like this in quite some time. The door is cracked open, and all it might take is one bold move to kick it the rest of the way through. If Cam Thomas is available, Detroit should not wait around for someone else to figure it out first.