Now that the Detroit Pistons have clinched a playoff spot, it’s natural to think about how they might take the next step.
There has been plenty of debate among fans about whether the Pistons need to do anything other than bring back their own free agents, as they are already a playoff team and can presumably count on continued development and improvement from their young core.
There are others who believe the Pistons still need a second star to flank Cade Cunningham, a notion that may become clearer in the playoffs if the Pistons struggle with Cunningham getting constantly trapped and doubled.
Trajan Langdon will certainly have his ears open as the offseason approaches, as the Pistons do have the expiring contracts, young talent and draft picks to add an impact player if the right one comes along.
Mike Scotto recently discussed the players who will be the biggest names on the trade market this summer, and it is possible that the Pistons will at least kick the tires, as all three would fill their biggest need.
Kevin Durant
Durant will be all over the rumor mill this summer, as the Suns have to do something, and trading him is likely their best way to recoup assets without completely overhauling the roster.
Durant also wasn’t happy about being shopped in secret at the trade deadline, so it wouldn’t be shocking for him to demand out if the Suns miss the postseason.
KD can still play at a high level and would fill a need as an elite shooting power forward, but there’s also his age and the fact that he likely wants to play for a team ready made for a title run.
Durant’s contract expires after next season, so any team trading for him will likely have an extension number in mind. Would the Pistons sell out for a few years of Durant? Highly doubtful.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
I’ve already written about Giannis and said he’s one of few players who I would gut the roster to get. This will all come down to how the Bucks perform in the playoffs and whether Giannis sees them as a viable option to get him another ring.
The Bucks will be reluctant to trade him of course, but they really might not have a choice, as they are an apron team and it will be difficult to improve the roster around him, especially with Damian Lillard potentially missing a big chunk of next season.
The Pistons would obviously be competing against much of the league if they wanted to trade for Giannis, but anything short of Cade Cunningham would have to be considered, as pairing Cade and Giannis makes a contender.
We’re likely talking Tobias Harris, two young players and a couple of picks and even that may not be enough.
If Giannis ends up on the trade block, most of the league is going to inquire, so it would be a long shot for the Pistons to have the best offer, but I wouldn’t entirely rule it out either.
Cam Johnson
Johnson is much more in the talent and salary tier the Pistons will likely pursue this offseason, as he’s on a team-friendly contract and wouldn’t take nearly as much to acquire as someone like Giannis.
He would be a nice fit as a big wing who is an elite shooter, but the Nets are likely to ask for a sizeable haul for him and he does have some concerns when it comes to injuries.
All three of these players would be fits on the Pistons in the right circumstances, but if they do end up traded, they won’t come cheap.