After a rough showing in the NBA playoffs, the Detroit Pistons are expected to make a big splash this summer. In fact, they may be eyeing a potential trade that could net them the perfect Cade Cunningham co-star.
L.A. Clippers star Kawhi Leonard is rumored to be on the Pistons' wish list, and his days in Los Angeles may be numbered. They are clearly looking to get younger after trading for Darius Garland and Benedict Mathurin and landing the fifth pick in this year's draft.
That could mean the Clippers are willing to listen to offers on Kawhi. If so, the Pistons could be the ideal trade partner.
The Pistons land Kawhi Leonard in proposed mock trade
The Pistons don't have much in terms of splashy trade assets they'd be willing to part with. Even so, they can look to match salary by sending out Duncan Robinson, Isaiah Stewart, and Caris Levert plus two first-round picks.
That might not seem like a massive offer for Kawhi, who is one of the best players in the NBA. However, with injury concerns and questions surrounding extra payments to him made by the Clippers, getting decent rotation players and two firsts might actually be good value for the Clippers.
Remember their draft stockpile was largely decimated due to the ill-fated Paul George trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Getting all they can get for their best player and moving into a new era might make sense for the Clippers, but would trading for Kawhi make sense for the Pistons?
Would the Pistons and Clippers agree to a Kawhi Leonard trade?
Given that the Pistons' offense struggled mightily at times, especially in the playoffs, adding Kawhi would be a massive upgrade. He is not only an elite scorer but a skilled passer as well.
Defensively, he isn't nearly the player he once was but can certainly more than hold his own guarding on the perimeter. Trading for him does come with risks. He seemingly misses at least 25 games a season.
In fact, he has missed roughly one-third of all career games. But if he can be healthy for 60 games and the playoffs, he could be worth it to the Pistons. For the Clippers, getting positive value for an aging Kawhi would be a huge plus.
If they are willing to trade him, and the Pistons offer a similar package, he could be playing in Detroit next season.
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