Detroit Pistons Urged to Make Big Giannis Antetokounmpo Pursuit by 1 Analyst 8 Apr 29, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) defends during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Detroit Pistons Urged to Make Big Giannis Antetokounmpo Pursuit by 1 Analyst

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 8:11 AM ET

Former NBA player turned analyst Kendrick Perkins recently said on ESPN that the Detroit Pistons should consider trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer.

Perkins argued that the Detroit Pistons are a viable destination for Antetokounmpo if he decides to leave the Milwaukee Bucks, considering the former’s huge upside and intriguing young core.

“If I’m Giannis I’m seriously considering going to Detroit. Detroit is back on fire, great basketball city, a lot of culture. You have a rising young superstar in Cade Cunningham. Giannis and Cade in Detroit, with all this going on,” Perkins explained on the Road Trippin’ podcast.

Detroit Pistons Urged to Make Big Giannis Antetokounmpo Pursuit by 1 Analyst 6 Oct 25, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers takes Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) out of the game in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

“Come on now, we talking about moving the needle. That puts them right there in the championship conversation. They become the legit title contenders if Giannis Antetokounmpo goes to Detroit,” he added.

Detroit Pistons Rumors: Insider names former Sixth Man of the Year as potential free agent target

The Detroit Pistons are unlikely to get Giannis Antetokounmpo anytime soon because the one-time NBA champion hinted he’ll be back in Milwaukee next season. Instead, the team could look into signing Naz Reid, per renowned NBA insider Marc Stein.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Fans React to Naz Reid's Contract Update Regarding His Player Option 2 Feb 6, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) works around Houston Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate (8) during the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

“The Pistons are among the teams with interest in Timberwolves big man Reid, league sources say. Detroit is known to covet a floor-spacing big man and, according to sources, is likewise said to hold interest in Indiana’s Myles Turner. Whether the Pistons have a tangible shot at acquiring either player, mind you, is far from clear,” Stein wrote.

Reid averaged 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists on 46.2 percent shooting from the field and 37.9 percent from three-point land across 80 regular season appearances (17 starts) this year. His versatility and ability to stretch the floor could take the Detroit Pistons to the next level.