The Detroit Pistons' offseason has been almost the exact opposite of what fans expected leading into the summer.
Instead of making a splash to provide Cade Cunningham the second option he desperately needs, Trajan Langdon has opted to improve the margins on the depth chart.
The lack of big moves isn't what fans wanted to hear, but Langdon can't totally be to blame because Detroit has put their hat in the ring on several occasions.
The New Orleans Pelicans wouldn't budge on their outrageous asking price for Trey Murphy III, the Dallas Mavericks refused to move Kyrie Irving, and neither LeBron James nor Giannis Antetokounmpo listed landing in the Motor City as a preferred option.
However, arguably the biggest disappointment to come this offseason is the Toronto Raptors undercutting Detroit for their ideal trade target in Kawhi Leonard.
Fast forward to the latest scoop of intel (subscription) from NBA Insider Marc Stein, the Pistons have considered making a run at free agent DeMar DeRozan, but once again, Toronto appears to be their biggest competition to land the former All-Star.
Raptors could steal both Kawhi Leonard & DeMar DeRozan from Pistons
Leonard would have been the perfect fit in J.B. Bickerstaff's system, but the two-way forward made it clear he only had interest in remaining in Los Angeles or returning to one of the Raptors or the San Antonio Spurs.
That being said, Detroit was put in a tough spot from the start in terms of Leonard, who held leverage given his looming contract extension.
With DeRozan, the Pistons are theoretically on a level playing field, but the Raptors' interest alone could be the one team Detroit can't beat out in the sweepstakes.
Obviously, at 36, DeRozan isn't the player he once was, but coming off a strong season in Sacramento, averaging 18.4 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds on 49.7 % shooting from the field and 32% from three, the veteran wing still has plenty left in the tank.
Is he the ideal co-star next to Cunningham? Probably not, but of the options available, he may be the cheapest stopgap option with the most upside.
The problem, though, is that if the Raptors truly want to make a run for DeRozan, they'll likely be the top suitor not only because they present the chance to contend alongside Leonard and Scottie Barnes, but also because DeRozan spent the first nine seasons of his career in Toronto.
With the USC product's career inching closer to the finish line, the chance to return to the place his journey began is likely an opportunity he won't refuse if given the choice.
And while some may not even be a fan of DeRozan on the Pistons, the reality is that Detroit could, without a doubt, use his skillset on the roster, even if people aren't a fan of his age/game at this point in his career.
Nonetheless, the Raptors may put an end to that scenario before it even becomes a possibility.
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