Over the course of the playoffs, prior to their embarrassing second-round exit that was forced by the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Detroit Pistons made one thing, in particular, known to the world: Cade Cunningham needs star help by his side. One of the most rumored targets thus far has been Kawhi Leonard, as he will be affordable and brings production and championship experience the Pistons need. However, per Marc Stein of ‘The Stein Line,’ the Pistons have expressed interest in Trey Murphy.
This is understandable. Murphy is nearly a decade younger and coming off the best season of his five-year career, averaging 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, shooting 47.0% from the floor and 37.9% from three.
However, if the Pistons are trying to capitalize on the year directly after winning 60 games and attaining the first seed, Murphy is not the guy to go after; he’s more of a long-term answer.
Leonard offers the Pistons a better chance to win at the moment than Murphy
There is no doubt that Cade Cunningham and Trey Murphy could become the faces of the Pistons’ future and run the streets of Detroit for the foreseeable future. That’s about as elite a 1-2 backcourt punch you could find, and years down the line, they may be hanging banners up in Little Caesars Arena.
However, Murphy, in particular, is still young and growing. He’s been to the playoffs twice, once as a rookie and the other as part of a sweep, which highlights minimal experience, and hasn’t really had a prominent role on a winning team.
That said, Murphy is certainly a great option, and arguably the best, to have alongside Cunningham for the long run.
But, at the moment, Kawhi Leonard has the potential to take the Pistons to the promised land as soon as next season.
There is no need to discuss his on-court production or ability to rise in the playoffs. Those have already been on display for years by Leonard, as he’s one of the most unstoppable forces in the league, no matter the stakes.
What should be talked about is Leonard’s experience. He has been to the postseason too many times to count, and for a team like the Pistons, which hopes to win now, this matters when comparing him to another trade candidate like Murphy.
So, while Murphy is a great player and someone with his prime still ahead of him, Leonard is, by far, a better option to pair next to Cunningham.
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