The Detroit Pistons are making aggressive moves this offseason in their quest to build a championship contender around franchise cornerstone Cade Cunningham, with multiple All-Star guards emerging as potential trade targets. After a remarkable 60-win regular season that earned them the top seed in the Eastern Conference, the Pistons have set their sights on acquiring a legitimate second star to complement their rising superstar point guard.
Cunningham, 24, is coming off an MVP-caliber season and is firmly established as the centerpiece of Detroit’s franchise. His five-year designated rookie extension, originally signed at $224 million, escalated to $269 million after he earned All-NBA Third Team honors in 2025, triggering the Rose Rule provision. The contract, which runs through the 2029-30 season, features increasing annual salaries from $46.4 million in 2025-26 to $61.2 million in the final year.
The most prominent name linked to Detroit is Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro, who signed a $120 million contract extension and has been connected to the Pistons through a complex three- or four-team trade scenario involving Giannis Antetokounmpo. According to NBA insider Evan Sidery, the Pistons could acquire Herro as part of an expanded Antetokounmpo trade that would send the Greek superstar to Miami.
Locked On Pistons reporter Ku Khahil confirmed that “Herro to Detroit is picking up steam,” with the Pistons serving as a third-team facilitator in the blockbuster deal. Herro, 26, averaged 20.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists last season while shooting 48% from the field and 37.8% from three-point range, though injuries limited him to a career-low 33 games.
Herro exemplifies what Pistons president Trajan Langdon has prioritized: shooting and ball-handling skills to support Cunningham. With a career 38.2% three-point percentage and proven ability as a secondary creator, Herro would provide the offensive firepower Detroit lacked in their second-round playoff exit.
The Pistons have also been linked to nine-time All-Star Kyrie Irving, whom the front office reportedly views as “the ultimate veteran culture-shifter” for their developing backcourt. According to league sources cited by NBA insider Brandon Robinson, both the Pistons and Houston Rockets remain “intensely interested” in acquiring the mercurial guard from the Dallas Mavericks.
Irving, 34, is coming off an ACL injury but remains a superstar-caliber player who could slot seamlessly alongside Cunningham. His ability to play both on and off the ball, combined with elite shooting, makes him a clean fit in Detroit’s system. With Dallas in a rebuilding phase, the Mavericks may be motivated to move Irving, potentially lowering the acquisition cost for Detroit.
Other All-Star caliber players on Detroit’s radar include seven-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard of the LA Clippers, six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan (recently linked via free agency), and two-time All-Star Zach LaVine from Sacramento. ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel reported that the Pistons have contacted the Clippers about Leonard’s availability, though Los Angeles has shown no interest in moving him.
Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans has also emerged as a coveted target, though he would require a significant trade package including multiple first-round picks. Murphy averaged a career-high 21.5 points last season while shooting 38% from three, and at 26 years old, he fits Detroit’s timeline with Cunningham.
The Pistons have positioned themselves to make a major move by clearing substantial salary through trades involving Caris LeVert, Marcus Sasser and Isaiah Stewart. Detroit currently sits nearly $50 million below the luxury tax and has generated a full midlevel trade exception, providing flexibility to absorb a max contract.
However, the franchise reportedly intends to be judicious with its assets. Sources indicate the Pistons are unwilling to part with substantial draft capital and young talent without ensuring the deal provides long-term value. As the Pistons look to build on their historic turnaround from 14 wins in 2024 to 60 wins in 2026—the pressure is on Langdon to make the right move that elevates Detroit to legitimate title contention alongside the NBA champion New York Knicks
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