It might be the perfect time for the Detroit Pistons to be aggressive on the trade market.
After a surprisingly successful 2024-25 season, where they secured the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 44-38 record, Detroit might be one big move away from title contention, especially with how weak the Eastern Conference promises to be in 2025-26.
Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor outlined a bold vision for the Pistons’ next step on his podcast, emphasizing their financial flexibility and trade assets. “The Detroit Pistons … can easily get to the money required to go get Kevin Durant,” O’Connor said.
“Tobias Harris and (Simone) Fontecchio, his expiring $8 million salary, and then you wave a bunch of cap holds. Tim Hardaway, see you later. Dennis Schröder, goodbye. You keep Malik Beasley. You trade Harris, Fontecchio, and some number of first round picks, and go get Kevin Durant. And you pair him with Cade Cunningham. You pair him with Jaden Ivey coming back, and Jalen Duren, and Ausar Thompson, and Ron Holland (with) another year of experience under his belt … that team is damn good, right?”
The Pistons have a healthy store of draft capital, giving president Trajan Langdon ample ammunition to negotiate with the Phoenix Suns, who are looking to move Durant before the June 25 NBA draft.
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Pairing Durant, a 36-year-old former MVP, with Cunningham would create a dynamic duo in Detroit. Jaden Ivey’s athleticism, Jalen Duren’s rim protection, and the defensive versatility of Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland could round out a formidable lineup, as alluded to by O’Connor.
Durant’s playoff-proven scoring and leadership could elevate Detroit from a playoff team to a serious contender, especially after their near-upset of the Knicks in the 2025 playoffs.
On the other hand, maybe the Pistons would hesitate to bring in an aging star like Durant amid what has been an exciting youth movement. There’s also Durant’s contract to consider, as it runs only through 2025-26 and he’ll likely be seeking a two-year extension.
The loss of first-round picks in a KD trade could also limit future flexibility for Detroit, especially in the NBA’s restrictive apron era.
You have to think the Pistons will strongly consider snagging Durant if the opportunity presents itself. Detroit might not ever see that opportunity, though, as KD’s main suitors are reportedly the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets, two teams capable of putting together a more enticing package than what Detroit can provide.
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