Kevin Durant Could Put Pistons Over The Top

Pistons Trade Offer for Kevin Durant

Though he is headed into his age-38 season, Durant is still one of the most productive players in the NBA.

This past season, Durant played in 78 games for the Rockets, scoring 26 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while being named Second Team All-NBA.

He has one more year left at $43.9 million, a bargain for what he brings to the table, followed by a player option at $46.1 million, which he may or may not pick up depending on how this season goes.

Either way, the Pistons are going to have to make a compelling trade offer to get him from Houston, as the Rockets aren’t just going to give Durant away. Fortunately for Detroit, they have the pieces to get a deal done.

The first player who has to go in the deal is Duncan Robinson, who makes $15.9 million this coming season but whose deal is only guaranteed for $2 million, meaning Houston could either keep him or cut him for a small cap hit, which could be waived and stretched for three seasons if they wanted to.

The next player in the deal would be Ron Holland II, who makes $9 million next year. Holland was the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, and he still has lots of potential, but it feels like he could use a fresh start, which Houston could provide him.

Finally, the Pistons would send multiple draft picks back to Houston in the deal to sweeten the pot. Since Detroit is under the salary cap, they don’t have to fully match Durant’s incoming salary, so sending away Robinson, Holland, and picks should be enough to get the deal done for both teams, especially with Durant having just one guaranteed year left on his deal with Houston.

New Pistons Lineup With KD

Here’s what the new-look Pistons would look like with Durant in the lineup, assuming the team re-signs restricted free-agent center Jalen Duren, who is still unsigned:

PG: Cade Cunningham
SG: Isaiah Joe
SF: Ausar Thompson
PF: Kevin Durant
C: Jalen Duren

Bench: John Collins, Kevin Huerter, Paul Reed, Ebuka Okorie, Daniss Jenkins, Javonte Green, Gary Harris, Taurean Prince, Tolu Smith, Chaz Lanier

Overall, I think this version of the Pistons with Durant in and Robinson and Holland out is better than what the team is planning on running out there next year.

Yes, Detroit did sign Collins to be the team’s new starting PF, but he might be even better as the sixth man off the bench with Durant starting for the team instead.

For Detroit, picking up Durant would help the team remain in contention in an Eastern Conference that is quickly getting closer to where the Western Conference is in terms of competitiveness.

The Pistons need Durant, so they need to go out there and pay the price to get him and give Cunningham the sidekick that he needs and deserves as Detroit tries to win its first NBA Championship since 2004.