The Detroit Pistons enter the 2026-27 season with ambitions of a deep postseason run. The fanbase was hoping for significant upgrades to the roster after getting bounced in the second round last season, but the front office largely stood pat. Even though several All-Stars, like Jaylen Brown and Kawhi Leonard, changed teams in the offseason, the Pistons chose to bring back the same core with small upgrades.
As frustrating as this may have been, it also allowed the Pistons to retain all of their assets in their coffers. With all of their future first-round picks and several young players with trade value, the Pistons will have the chance to acquire any star available on the trade block during the season.
All the signs are pointing towards Kyrie Irving being that player.
Pistons will have a chance to acquire Kyrie Irving at the trade deadline
The Dallas Mavericks have entered a new era and will be building around Cooper Flagg. The only reason they didn't trade Irving in the offseason is the fact that he missed all of last season with an ACL tear. Instead of moving him at the nadir of his trade value, the Mavs will want the 34-year-old superstar to prove he is healthy and trade him at the deadline.
NBA insider Jake Fischer confirmed this approach in his livestream for Bleacher Report on Tuesday. He said that Irving is someone we are going to be talking about through the February 11 trade deadline as a trade target for rival teams.
He added, "If he comes back healthy for a significant sample size that shows every other team around the NBA that he is still capable of being an All-Star talent and a playoff game-changer, especially as a halfcourt ball-handling creator, the Mavs are going to get trade offers that ultimately they are not going to be able to refuse."
If and when Irving is available, the Pistons will be at the top of the list of suitors. Not only do they have a ton of assets, young players, and matching salary, but they also have a clear need for a player with his skill set.
Kyrie has proven himself to be an elite second option during his time playing next to Luka Doncic. He could have a similar role in Detroit next to Cade Cunningham. Thanks to his ball-handling, shooting, and passing, Irving can play both on and off the ball, making him a uniquely good backcourt partner for Cade.
It's just difficult to see the Mavs being too competitive in the Western Conference. Irving is in the final year of his contract before he has to make a decision on his $42.4 million player option for the 2027-28 season. His preference will be to opt out and sign a new, long-term contract.
Given where they are as a franchise, it makes a lot more sense for the Mavs to get future assets by trading him rather than signing a 35-year-old Kyrie to a multi-year deal.
If Irving can make it to the trade deadline healthy, there will be a long list of interested teams. Regardless of where the Pistons sit in the Eastern Conference hierarchy, it will behoove them to pursue Irving aggressively.
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