Kevin Durant is widely expected to request a trade from the Phoenix Suns after the 2024-25 season. The team already attempted to move him before the trade deadline, making it likely they will honor his request and part ways with their best player. Since acquiring Durant in 2023, the Suns have won only one playoff series, and with their current struggles, a rebuild or retooling seems inevitable. Several teams have already been named as potential destinations for the superstar forward, including the Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, and San Antonio Spurs. However, given Durant’s status as one of the top players in the league, the Suns will likely have a larger market of suitors beyond just these four teams.
One intriguing landing spot could be the Detroit Pistons, who are emerging from their rebuilding phase and positioning themselves as a future playoff contender. Acquiring Durant would instantly propel them into serious competition in the Eastern Conference. According to The Sporting News’ Stephen Noh, the Pistons may not seem like an immediate trade candidate but have the assets to make a deal happen.
“It still feels like the Pistons are a few years away from making a trade like this, but they have several first-round picks and are no longer the bottom-feeders of the league,” Noh wrote in an article analyzing potential Durant destinations. “Cade Cunningham could be the Most Improved Player this season, and he and Durant would be a crazy duo.”
Cunningham, currently in his first All-Star season, is considered untouchable in any trade discussions. However, Detroit still possesses valuable assets that could make a Durant deal viable.
“Tobias Harris’ $26.6 million expiring contract is a nice trade chip for the team. He’d be going out in a Durant deal, along with some promising young players and picks,” Noh continued. “The Pistons have a lot, including Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren.”
Detroit currently holds six first-round picks that they can either trade or swap, giving them significant leverage in any negotiations. A trade package featuring Harris, Isaiah Stewart, and one of their young talents could be enough to pique Phoenix’s interest. If the Pistons were to pull off such a move, they could form a core rotation featuring Cunningham, Durant, Duren or Stewart, Ivey or rookie Ron Holland, Ausar Thompson, and sharpshooter Malik Beasley. Such a lineup would be among the most dynamic in the NBA, immediately elevating Detroit into a legitimate contender.
With the offseason approaching, Durant’s trade market will continue to develop, and the Pistons could be a dark-horse candidate to land the future Hall of Famer.
