After collapsing in game seven against the Cleveland Cavaliers and having blown a 0-2 lead, the Detroit Pistons will be in starvation mode over the summer, searching for a savior to keep Cade Cunningham, a 24-year-old superstar who just finished fifth in MVP voting, happy. Who’s the man for the job? Kawhi Leonard, a two-way phenom who just dominated for 65 games for the LA Clippers.
It would have to be via trade, but the signs are clear that adding Leonard is probably one of the best routes for the Pistons to take if their hopes are for a deeper playoff run next season than the one they just presented.
There is also just one year left on Leonard’s deal, which might make him more appealing as a player for Detroit, as there is no long-term obligation in place.
Kawhi is Detroit's missing piece of the puzzle
A recurring problem for the Detroit Pistons during the playoffs was that Cade Cunningham didn’t have any consistent help. Jalen Duren was clearly absent on a handful of occasions, so some nights it would be Tobias Harris, and others, Ausar Thompson or Daniss Jenkins would step up.
In game seven, in particular, though, everyone was a no-show. There was not a single impressive performance across the rotation, hence a 31-point blowout loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Now, had Kawhi Leonard been on Detroit’s sidelines, they might not have been in a position where the series falls into win-or-go-home circumstances. In fact, there’s a realistic chance that the Pistons could’ve swept Cleveland, as Leonard’s offensive prowess, alongside Cunningham’s, would’ve been way too much for Cleveland to handle.
That’s why the Pistons need to set all of their offseason tasks aside and prioritize what’s important: a trade for Leonard.
In the same breath, with a solid amount of future first-round picks and assets like Jenkins, Ron Holland II, and/or Marcus Sasser, Detroit can hold a serious conversation with the Clippers and propose a legitimate offer that benefits both sides.
If it goes through, and fans of the Pistons have their prayers answered, which is a blockbuster deal for a top-tier second option, who is also an iconic playoff riser, everyone should go ahead and expect the Pistons to come out of the East next season.
They will run through the top contenders with ease, as long as Leonard’s health doesn’t get in the way and cause issues.
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