As rumors have surfaced about the Detroit Pistons trading for Kawhi Leonard, the LA Clippers' request is for the inclusion of one of Jalen Duren (a sign-and-trade because he’s a restricted free agent) or Ausar Thompson in the package, per Hunter Patterson of ‘The Athletic’. Is it a lot? Yes. Duren and Thompson are among the elite young players in the association, and there is no doubt about it.
But this is Leonard, a two-time champion, who just made second-team All-NBA, we’re talking about. Due to the fact that he is someone who could really help the Pistons win a title and immediately become the best teammate Cade Cunningham has ever had, there should be no second-guessing from Detroit’s end.
They should all be in, as a ring is the overall goal that every team strives for.
If the Pistons want to truly contend, they need Kawhi Leonard’s assistance
The Detroit Pistons just won 60 games, were the first seed in the Eastern Conference without the Indiana Pacers, and entered the playoffs essentially at full health. Where did they end up with their season said and done? In Cancun, after coughing up a 2-0 series lead to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
That said, for the Pistons to make a jump, take over the East, this time in the postseason, and compete with the few teams that are seriously built to win it all, they’ll need a player like Kawhi Leonard.
On both sides of the ball, Leonard brings no questions. The Pistons will automatically put up more points, allow fewer, and do so efficiently with Leonard co-existing next to Cade Cunningham.
He’s also proven to be healthy; over the last two seasons, Leonard has remained in full health. That’s worth noting, as fans of the LA Clippers know very well, it hasn’t always been that way.
The fear the Pistons have, though, is that a trade for Leonard may just be a one-year rental, given his contract expires in the summer of 2027.
That’s fair; however, it’s still a risk worth taking. If Detroit can walk away with a championship, which would be the third on Leonard’s resume, surely he’ll weigh the idea heavily of sticking around long-term; any player in this situation would.
So, if talks advance and a Leonard-to-Detroit trade is in play, but the Pistons are forced to let go of one of Jalen Duren or Ausar Thompson, they absolutely should cave.
This could turn out to be one of the biggest opportunities for the Pistons to raise the fourth banner in Little Caesars Arena.
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