The Detroit Pistons were the surprise team in the NBA last season as they went from posting the worst record in the league the prior two seasons to making the playoffs as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.
Unfortunately for Detroit, their incredible turnaround last season ended in the first round of the playoffs as they were eliminated by the New York Knicks.
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Despite this, it was an incredible season for the Pistons and they will look to build off their success from last year as they enter the 2025-26 campaign led by their core of Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson and Tobias Harris.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) and forward Ausar Thompson (9)© Matt Marton-Imagn Images
While Detroit is looking to make a run at a top seed in the East this season, they did lose some key players this offseason as Dennis Schroder and Tim Hardaway Jr. left in free agency while Malik Beasley remains unsigned.
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Of course, the Pistons did add Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert and Javonte Green in free agency, though they could also look to make more moves ahead of the trade deadline.
Pistons Could Target CJ McCollum
One player the Pistons could target this season is veteran guard CJ McCollum, who was traded to the Washington Wizards earlier this summer in the trade that sent Jordan Poole to the New Orleans Pelicans.
New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3)Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
With the Wizards in a rebuild, they will likely be open to moving McCollum this season and Detroit could be a team that shows interest in him to pair him alongside Cunningham.
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Mock Trade Sends CJ McCollum to Pistons for Jaden Ivey
In a potential trade, the Pistons could send LeVert and Jaden Ivey to the Wizards in exchange for McCollum, Marvin Bagley III and draft capital.
Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23)Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Of course, moving Ivey would be a tough decision for the Pistons to make as the former fifth overall pick played well for them last season before suffering a broken leg.
Despite this, swapping him and LeVert for McCollum and draft capital would give Detroit more assets to make more moves in the future while also adding a key veteran in McCollum to pair alongside Cunningham in the backcourt.
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Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Last season, the 34-year-old guard averaged 21.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 44.4% from the field and 37.3% from three.
McCollum would give the Pistons another great scorer who has also improved his playmaking skills over the past few seasons and would also provide them with another veteran leader.
Despite this, the Pistons could also elect to hold off on this trade, especially since they would have to move Ivey.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 24, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.