LeBron James just signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Eastern Conference is as stacked as ever, yet the Detroit Pistons have still yet to make a trade to land Cade Cunningham a co-star. Tyrese Maxey got plenty of help this summer. The Miami Heat made a big-swing move, too. The New York Knicks just won a title. And the Pistons… well…
The Pistons were the best team in the East last year during the regular season, but when the playoffs came around, their flaws showed. Outside of Cunningham, the Pistons didn’t have any consistent source of offense. So, heading into the summer, that should have been their priority. But they didn’t make a trade for a co-star to play next to Cunningham.
Now, the East is loading up, including James joining the Sixers, and the Pistons could be left in the dust.
LeBron James signing with 76ers should force Pistons to make a trade to help Cade Cunningham
Outside of Cunningham, the best offensive player on the Pistons right now might be Isaiah Joe. That’s not exactly a great secondary option to have as a team looking to compete for a championship.
Obviously, the Pistons still need to re-sign Jalen Duren, who is a restricted free agent, but even he’s not the best on offense. In fact, his lack of offensive production in the playoffs is a big reason why he hasn’t been re-signed yet.
Guys like Daniss Jenkins and John Collins, who the Pistons just signed in free agency, will help, but Cunningham is still by far the best offensive creator on the team.
If he doesn’t have it going, then the Pistons are going to struggle to create offense just like last year. But this season, the Eastern Conference is looking a lot beefier.
James’ new deal with Philly will help them create a lineup of Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, James and Joel Embiid. That’s a monstrous five to deal with.
Kawhi Leonard should be on track to join the Toronto Raptors. Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers are healthy again. The Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and reigning champion Knicks are still ready to compete.
It’s going to be a bloodbath in the East, and the Pistons didn’t make any significant enough changes to help Cunningham compete.
James may be 41 years old, but he’s still an All-Star. And the 76ers are going to be firmly in the title race with him on board.
But what about Cunningham and the Pistons? They could fall behind.
Add us as a preferred source on Google