In yet more shocking news to kick off free agency, the Clippers traded Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors. The move instantly creates another contender in the East and forces more urgency in Detroit for the Pistons to improve.
If the Pistons can’t resolve their contract disputes with Jalen Duren quickly, they’ll fall behind the 8-ball when it comes to securing the best free agents and trade targets. Detroit needs to keep working towards big moves even as Duren’s future remains uncertain, because their rivals definitely won’t wait up.
The Pistons are at risk of slipping in the East
Last season, the Pistons managed to secure the top seed in the East during the regular season but their weaknesses were on full display in the playoffs. Even after winning 60 games, Detroit struggled to just get out of the first round as they had to go 7 games with the feisty Orlando Magic. The Pistons eventually fell in 7 games during the second round to the Cleveland Cavaliers, including an all-time embarassing loss in Game 7.
Now the Raptors are making a run to establish themselves on top of the conference after swapping out Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick for Kawhi Leonard. Neither played a big role in their 7-game first round series against the Cavs, but Leonard has a proven history as a playoff performer - especially in Toronto. Meanwhile, the Pistons face uncertainty about even returning some key players from last season, let alone taking another step forward.
Detroit has been unlucky so far in the offseason
When it came to Leonard, the Pistons struck out based on his personal preference. They reportedly pursued a trade for him, but were informed that he would not sign an extension once he reached Detroit. Kawhi pulled the same move when he was first traded to the Raptors in 2018, leaving in the following offseason despite winning a championship and Finals MVP during his sole Toronto campaign.
However, he is now interested in a Raptors extension that's already in the works. It's not fair to ask the Pistons to take the same one-year gamble that the Raptors took 8 years ago, especially with attaching two upcoming first-round picks as the Raptors did now. But Leonard's move onto a rising East team should prove to the Pistons front office that other teams in their conference are gearing up for a big run next season.
If the Pistons hope to remain in the upper echelon of the East, they will need to make some serious improvements this summer. It's tough given their current Duren situation, but the Pistons must find other ways to add serious talent to their roster before all their rivals swallow up the best targets.
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