The Detroit Pistons kick off the 2026-27 season in ten days, going up against the Boston Celtics. They have big postseason aspirations as they hope to get over the hump after their 60-win season. With Jalen Duren officially back, the Pistons have every reason to feel optimistic about their chances.
The problem is, the Eastern Conference will be much stronger this season. With Philadelphia, Toronto, and Miami reloading, Indiana getting healthy, and Boston and New York as strong as ever, the Pistons' path to the NBA Finals will be challenging.
That is why they can't afford to stand pat if an opportunity to upgrade presents itself. In his column on Friday, ESPN's Vincent Goodwill reported that the Pistons already went after star players this summer, but came up short. Their pursuit of Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, and Austin Reaves didn't go anywhere.
Between now and the trade deadline, however, there will be more chances to swing big. Goodwill named Kyrie Irving as a potential Pistons target. He added that "several staffers" in Detroit like Irving's fit next to Cade Cunningham. "If Detroit has the stomach to go after it this year," according to Goodwill, Irving will be near the top of their list.
Should the Pistons try to go after Kyrie Irving?
First, Irving needs to show that he is back and 100% healthy. He is expected to make his return this preseason from an ACL tear after not playing for the last 18 months. If he looks like his pre-injury self by the trade deadline, he makes a lot of sense as a Pistons target.
Irving is 34 years old. He makes $39.5 million this season and has a player option for $42.4 million for the season after. He will require a new contract from the team that acquires him. So, trading for him doesn't come without serious risks.
How aggressive the Pistons should be in their pursuit depends on the price. The Dallas Mavericks will presumably be willing to move on from Irving at the deadline since they kickstarted a rebuild around Cooper Flagg. Turning Kyrie into future assets should appeal to them, but they will still look for first-round picks and intriguing young players.
Fortunately, the Pistons have control of all of their future first-round picks. Matching salary will be more of a challenge. It would almost certainly have to require three of John Collins, Duncan Robinson, Ron Holland, Kevin Huerter, and Isaiah Joe. The Mavs could ask for Ebuka Okorie or Daniss Jenkins for additional value in the trade.
If Detroit looks one move away from being a true title contender and Irving looks healthy, a trade for Kyrie could be that move for the Pistons. Whether Detroit ends up making a move for Irving remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: These rumors aren't going anywhere until the trade deadline.
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