The Detroit Pistons have been actively looking for roster upgrades ever since they disappointingly lost in the second round of the playoffs. Whether it's via the trade market or free agency, the Pistons will add more offensive firepower around Cade Cunningham this summer. In fact, they essentially confirmed their intentions by creating more cap space with their decision to trade Isaiah Stewart.
The Pistons are reportedly chasing superstars, but whether they will be able to acquire any remains unclear. The latest reporting about their top trade targets is certainly not encouraging.
Kyrie Irving & Kawhi Leonard are unlikely to be trade options for the Pistons
Kyrie Irving has been near the top of Detroit's list. While many expected him to be on the move this summer, the Dallas Mavericks are reportedly unwilling to move him just yet. NBA insider Marc Stein said that even though the Mavs are getting trade offers for Irving, they are not making him available.
Moreover, instead of drafting one of the myriad of talented guards available with their No. 9 pick, the Mavs selected power forward Morez Johnson Jr. Given the lack of guard depth on the team, one has to assume that Irving will start the season in Dallas.
Kawhi Leonard, on the other hand, may be more available this summer, but just not for the Pistons. According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Leonard has no intention of signing an extension with Detroit. The 34-year-old star is entering the final season of his contract, and he is extension-eligible. If he is unwilling to stay in Detroit long-term, it effectively ends the Pistons' chances of landing him.
The caliber of potential trade candidates drops significantly after Leonard and Irving. There isn't another All-NBA level talent expected to be traded this summer, barring a major surprise. This means that the Pistons have to target lower-end options.
The most likely Pistons targets include Trey Murphy, Norman Powell, and Tyler Herro.
Murphy would be the best fit out of this group, but he would cost the most as the Pelicans are reportedly asking for a massive haul. Powell is a free agent, and the Pistons now have enough cap space to sign him outright. Herro, on the other hand, is now with the Milwaukee Bucks after the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, but could very well be on the move again.
There may be more names becoming available in the coming weeks for the Pistons. A trade candidate could emerge out of nowhere. As things stand now, however, Pistons fans may have to temper their expectations about the caliber of player they can acquire this offseason.
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