Watching the Cleveland Cavaliers get swept decisively by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals left many Pistons fans wondering what might have been if Detroit hadn’t lost to their bitter division rival in the round before.
The Pistons had dominated the Knicks in the regular season, and many believe they could have put up a stronger fight than Cleveland did. Unfortunately, we’ll never know how a Knicks-Pistons conference finals matchup would have played out.
What Detroit can control, however, is the moves it makes this offseason to finally reach the Eastern Conference Finals and beyond next year. With Pistons fans viewing this as a pivotal offseason for general manager Trajan Langdon, here are the three biggest questions facing the team.
Will the Pistons Make a Blockbuster Trade?
A top priority for fans this offseason is landing a co-star for Cade Cunningham. If Detroit hopes to win an NBA championship next season, finding Cunningham a running mate is crucial. Several potential fits have been mentioned, including Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz), Michael Porter Jr. (Brooklyn Nets), and Trey Murphy III (New Orleans Pelicans).
Kawhi Leonard is another name to watch. According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the Pistons are expected to contact the LA Clippers about Leonard’s availability in a potential trade. Regardless of who they target, failing to add a co-star alongside Cunningham would be an irresponsible move for a team with championship aspirations.
How Will the Pistons Address Their Three-Point Shooting Woes?
Detroit’s struggles from beyond the arc held them back this season. During the regular season, the Pistons ranked near the bottom of the Eastern Conference in three-point percentage a weakness that was exposed in the playoffs. While Duncan Robinson provided steady shooting from deep in both the regular season and postseason, Detroit would benefit from adding a few more three-point threats alongside Cunningham, whether through free agency or the 2026 NBA Draft.
What Will the Pistons Do With the No. 21 Overall Pick?
After not owning a first-round pick last season, Detroit holds the No. 21 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and there are questions about how they’ll use it. The Pistons could trade up or stay put. If they move up, they might target Michigan Wolverines star Yaxel Lendenborg, a fan favorite among those who support both the Pistons and the maize and blue. At No. 21, Detroit could also consider Iowa Hawkeyes guard Bennett Stirtz or Duke’s Isaiah Evans both efficient three-point shooters, an area of need.
Leave a Reply