Slowly but surely, Detroit Pistons basketball is becoming relevant once more after a decade-plus long slumber. The new era in Detroit is led by former No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham, who turned in such an impressive rookie campaign. With Cunningham as the foundational block, the hardest part is already done for Detroit during the rebuild process.
What’s next for the Pistons? It should be a very eventful offseason, one that could really be franchise-changing looking back a decade from now. If Detroit is able to land another young piece at No. 5 overall alongside Cunningham, Saddiq Bey, Killian Hayes and Isaiah Stewart, a quick rise will be in order.
Other Offseason Snapshots: HOU I OKC I ORL I SAC
2021-22 record: 23-59, missed playoffs
Players under contract: Jerami Grant, Kelly Olynyk, Cade Cunningham, Killian Hayes, Hamidou Diallo, Isaiah Stewart, Frank Jackson, Saddiq Bey, Saben Lee, Isaiah Livers, Luka Garza
Impending free agents: Marvin Bagley III (restricted), Cory Joseph (player option), Rodney McGruder
Draft picks: No. 5, No. 46
One thing the Pistons should do this offseason: Trade Jerami Grant
It’s been long overdue for Detroit to move off Grant, especially with Cunningham needing to be even more of a focal point moving forward. Grant is a perfect fit in the modern NBA with his two-way versatility, but he simply doesn’t fit the Pistons’ timeline anymore. Detroit should be able to extract strong value in a Grant trade as well. Rumors have been flying about a potential draft night deal revolving around the No. 7 overall pick via the Portland Trail Blazers.
If the Pistons also pick a wing at No. 5, Grant’s fit becomes even more redundant. It would simply be stunning if Grant remains on the Pistons’ roster past July 1.
One thing the Pistons should not do this offseason: Take the ball out of Cade Cunningham’s hands
With such a strong close to his rookie season, Cunningham proved he has superstar makeup. Also, Cunningham’s special blend of scoring and playmaking is the new-age archetype for superstardom, a la Luka Doncic as a jumbo-sized do-it-all offensive engine. Could Cunningham eventually become a Doncic-esque talent? I absolutely think so, and Detroit needs to view him in a similar manner as well to reach their ultimate team ceiling.
Cunningham makes everyone around him better. So much flexibility awaits the Pistons this offseason, and Cunningham is an easy recruiting tool to use.
Offseason Breakdown
Even though the Pistons have been nearly irrelevant in the NBA world for the past five years, they should soon break out of that area. Cunningham is a future star, so Detroit should be in a great position to capitalize moving forward. Detroit has the chance to make huge moves this offseason thanks to their draft capital, expiring salaries, and whatever happens with Grant.
Don’t be shocked if the Pistons compete for a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference next season, too. Cunningham is leading this intriguing young group forward, and the potential to even make it better is being served on a golden platter.
