The Detroit Pistons, it would seem, are the Eastern Conference’s team of the future. They will face elimination tonight in Game 6 against the New York Knicks, but even if they lose and get bounced in the first round, they are a team on the rise.
Cade Cunningham has emerged as the face of the franchise, and the Pistons are only expected to go up. As the Boston Celtics navigate a precarious salary cap situation, they might be interested in moving some of their bigger contracts in order to stave off the luxary tax and other punishments.
Dec 4, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) drives to the basket against against Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the third quarter at the TD Garden.© Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Between Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics need to move on from one of their larger salaries, especially if their new ownership group wants to drop below the second apron, which is expected.
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“The rest of the league is bracing for some level of change to come to the Celtics from their roster this offseason,” revealed insider Shams Charania. “Sources have been telling me for weeks now that the Celtics will be exploring trade options in the offseason. This team, this iteration, just is not going to be sustainable for this team. And no one around the organization, from players to staffers, would be surprised if there are changes coming to this roster.”
If the Celtics are interested in cutting salary, the Pistons could land a superstar in the offseason, provided they are willing to move on from at least one promising young player.
Full Mock Trade Details
Pistons Receive: Jaylen Brown
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Celtics Receive: Tobias Harris, Isaiah Stewart, Jaden Ivey OR Ron Holland, 2027 first-round pick
A lone first-round pick might not be enough to move the needle, the package of players should be able to be enough. Stewart, at this point, is a defensive-minded veteran, and Harris has plenty of experience. Ivey or Holland are low-cost players under team control for the next several seasons, allowing Boston to stay in contention while cutting some salary.
Meanwhile, the Pistons open a title window with a defensive-minded superstar.
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