The Detroit Pistons have built tremendous momentum toward becoming one of the best teams in the NBA. As they approach the midway point of the 2025-26 regular season, they're 29-10 and have a 4.5-game lead as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Faced with the persistent question of whether the Pistons can make the final leap and become a true contender, a recent trade proposal offered an outside the box idea: Acquiring RJ Barrett.
Barrett is a polarizing player, which will inevitably lead to a split response of sorts in regard to the aforementioned trade proposal. He's an undeniably talented player, however, who could resolve several of the Pistons' biggest issues—at a somewhat reasonable price if the idea comes to fruition.
In a blockbuster four-team trade proposed by Eamon Cassels of FanSided.com, the Pistons shipped out Tobias Harris and a 2026 first-round draft pick for Barrett.
- Raptors receive: Domantas Sabonis
- Kings receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Tobias Harris, two 2026 first-round via Toronto and Detroit
- Warriors receive: Jakob Poeltl
- Pistons receive: RJ Barrett
Giving up Harris and a first-round draft pick would be a tough price to pay, but Barrett could resolve the pressing issue of finding a secondary ball handler.
FanSided.com trade proposal sends RJ Barrett to the Pistons
Barrett, 25, has solidified his status as a high-level scorer and playmaker with the Toronto Raptors. He's also quietly improved his efficiency. In two-and-a-half seasons with the Raptors, he's averaged 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.8 three-point field goals made on .496/.360/.640 shooting.
Though Barrett's free throw shooting has been uncharacteristically poor, he's excelled in virtually every other phase of the game.
In Detroit, Barrett's ability to create for himself and others would undoubtedly take pressure off of Cunningham. He's also shooting a respectable 37.1 percent on catch-and-shoot threes, thus suggesting he can play off of the MVP candidate.
Barrett has also displayed the willingness and ability to play in a secondary and even tertiary role alongside Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram in Toronto.
Though not always regarded as such, Barrett offers additional value as a solid defender who can fit the Pistons' culture. He ranks in the 87th percentile in off-ball chaser defense, the 79th percentile in ball screen navigation, and the 56th percentile in perimeter isolation defense, per Basketball Index.
It's an admittedly risky move that is by no means a perfect fit, but Barrett and the last two years of his contract could help elevate the Pistons in this trade scenario.