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Pistons Could Open Title Window in Blockbuster 3-Team Mock Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By JH Kubicek | Last updated May 26, 2025 9:11 AM ET

The Detroit Pistons, after Cade Cunningham broke out, led them to the playoffs, and made his first All-Star and All-NBA Team, are poised to break out as title contenders.

While they have a deep core, the team needs to continue to add shooting. Luckily, with tradeable contracts, some draft picks, and tantalizing young talent, the Pistons have the means to go all-in on building a championship-caliber roster.

The Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, and even the Cleveland Cavaliers are all expected to take a step back this summer, and in the Celtics' efforts to cut costs, they have emerged as a solid trade partner.

By roping in the Brooklyn Nets, the Pistons can emerge as clear winners in a three-team trade.

Detroit, as always, could use some shooting. Cunningham is an elite point guard, but he carried the burden of playmaking. A mock trade suggested by Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz would allow Cunningham to take a step back and focus on scoring more than passing.

Full Mock Trade Details

Boston Celtics Receive: Isaiah Stewart

Detroit Pistons Receive: Jrue Holiday, Cam Johnson

Brooklyn Nets Receive: Tobias Harris, Sam Hauser, Marcus Sasser, 2026 first-round pick (top-five protected via Detroit)

The Celtics, in this deal, walk away with perhaps the worst player, although they manage to save roughly $27 million next season, making it hard to pass up. The Nets, meanwhile, add a promising young player in Sasser and a draft pick that they can use to continue their rebuild.

The Pistons round out their roster with a shooter in Johnson, and would be able to start Holiday and Johnson next to Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, and Jalen Duren, giving them a devastating lineup on both sides of the ball.

Malik Beasley, Dennis Schroder, Ron Holland, and perhaps Paul Reed could all be brought back to round out the second unit.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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