The Detroit Pistons have a fascinating offseason ahead of them. Facing a ton of pressure to take a step forward next season, GM Trajan Langdon has to be aggressive in free agency and the trade market to upgrade the roster. Armed with cap flexibility and assets, the Pistons have the chance to make a strong offer for any star on the trade block.
One of those stars on the trade block might be Kawhi Leonard. The Los Angeles Clippers have the No. 5 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and Leonard is entering the final season of his contract. LA already traded Ivica Zubac and James Harden at the trade deadline. So, there is a feeling around the league that the Clippers may choose to rebuild around their draft pick and Darius Garland, making Leonard expendable.
After the incredible season he just had, Leonard will have many suitors on the market. The Pistons are commonly discussed as one of these potential suitors by reporters. But what type of trade package will be needed for Detroit to poach the two-time NBA champion?
The Pistons are asset-rich. They have control of all of their future first-round picks. They also have the No. 21 pick in this year's draft. Detroit would rather make its offer pick-heavy rather than having to part ways with Jalen Duren or Ausar Thompson. Giving up that type of young talent and upside for a 34-year-old Leonard wouldn't make sense for the Pistons.
Instead, a package built around three first-round picks and Isaiah Stewart, Duncan Robinson, and Ron Holland could still get the job done. Stewart fills the Clippers' need at center, and Holland is the type of high-upside young player LA lacks.
This is only the general framework of a deal. Different picks could be included, as well as potential pick swaps. If the Clippers have any interest in Daniss Jenkins, Marcus Sasser, or Paul Reed, they could be added to the package.
Unless Jalen Duren or Tobias Harris is in the deal as a sign-and-trade scenario, the Pistons almost certainly have to include two of Duncan Robinson, Isaiah Stewart, and Caris LeVert for salary-matching purposes.
This is the only way the Pistons can acquire Leonard while retaining their Cunningham-Thompson-Duren core. That should be the goal of the front office if they are going to get involved in the Kawhi Leonard sweepstakes.
As great as Leonard still is on the court, there are risks associated with this potential trade. Leonard is 34 and has a lengthy injury history. He hasn't played in the second round of the playoffs since 2021. The Pistons will have to give him a contract extension upon signing him. That has a chance to be a bad contract down the line.
Plus, how much does Leonard want to play in Detroit? We all saw him leave Toronto even after winning a title in his lone season there.
Given all these question marks, the Pistons should be hesitant to give up all of their future first-rounders or one of Thompson and Duren. If they can pull off this trade for the aforementioned package, they should seriously consider it.
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