The Detroit Pistons are entering the 2025-26 season with a roster that they know can be a playoff team based on last season, and with the knowledge that the East is positively wide open. With that in mind, the team could look to raise their ceiling even further by the time next February rolls around. One name to quietly keep an eye on is Zion Williamson, who has ties to Detroit’s front office and may become gettable at a price point lower than expected.
This connection is rooted in Pistons general manager Trajan Langdon. Langdon, of course, was with the Pelicans front office when New Orleans made Williamson the first overall pick back in 2019. While Williamson’s career has been anything but straightforward, it's not hard to imagine Langdon having a clearer view than most into what kind of environment might unlock the best version of Zion. It's these kind of connections that can brew the right environment for a trade to take place.
Of course, as is, it's not like the Pistons are lacking in contributors. Jaden Ivey has emerged as a fantastic scorer, while Cade Cunningham is not even in his prime yet. Ausar Thompson is developing nicely, and the frontcourt includes quality veterans like Tobias Harris and Isaiah Stewart. Still, Harris is on an expiring contract, and while he provides a helpful stabilizing presence, he is unlikely to be viewed as a long-term fixture in Detroit.
Zion Williamson could be just the piece Detroit needs
That creates an interesting potential path for Langdon and company to explore. If Williamson becomes available, and especially under the assumption that his market value is no longer anywhere near where it once was, the Pistons could become a logical destination. Detroit has the ability to match salaries, the front office familiarity, and a legitimate on-court need for an interior scorer with star upside.
Of course, trading for Williamson comes with obvious risk. His injury history and long-term durability are going to make any interested team think twice. But Detroit is not in a position where it needs to be overly cautious. The Pistons made it back to the playoffs this past spring and now find themselves on the edge of something bigger. A healthy Zion could potentially put them over the top.
No deal is imminent, and this is the type of trade that would likely require months of internal evaluation and exploratory talks, but it's certainly a situation worth considering. Tobias Harris might not be in Detroit for the long haul, and if the Pistons decide to upgrade that spot, they may already know which number they want to call first.