{"id":90769,"date":"2025-06-11T06:34:11","date_gmt":"2025-06-11T06:34:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/90769\/"},"modified":"2025-06-11T06:34:11","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T06:34:11","slug":"detroit-pistons-a-dark-horse-in-kevin-durant-trade-sweepstakes-nba-analyst-links-team-to-surprise-blockbuster","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/90769\/","title":{"rendered":"Detroit Pistons a dark horse in Kevin Durant trade sweepstakes? NBA analyst links team to surprise blockbuster"},"content":{"rendered":"

While the Detroit Pistons<\/a> are not expected to pursue Kevin Durant<\/a>, uber-popular ESPN NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith<\/a> believes they could be a surprise contender in the sweepstakes.<\/p>\n

Kevin Durant is expected to be one of the biggest stars moved this summer. After a highly disappointing run in Phoenix, the future Hall of Famer is on the offseason trade block as the Suns look to get out of the massive payroll hole they put themselves in.<\/p>\n

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Teams like the New York Knicks<\/a>, Houston Rockets<\/a>, and San Antonio Spurs<\/a> are viewed as top contenders.<\/p>\n

\u201cKD with Detroit. Imagine that?\u201d Smith said on \u201cFirst Take\u201d<\/a> as he ranked the Pistons fourth on his list of top destinations for Durant this summer. The list includes the Heat (5), Pistons (4), Timberwolves (3), Rockets (2), and the Knicks as the most likely landing spots.<\/p>\n

But how likely is a Detroit trade for Durant?<\/p>\n

Would the Detroit Pistons attempt a trade for Kevin Durant this summer?\"kevin<\/p>\n

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The Pistons have never been a franchise that goes and makes bold blockbuster trades for All-Star players. Traditionally, they build their roster through the draft, and will add impact veterans to round out the team. Their current roster has been built on that strategy. And after some very lean seasons, they took a huge leap forward in 2024-25 under coach JB Bickerstaff.<\/p>\n

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The assumption is that team president Trajan Langdon will stick with the current plan. However, Detroit has had just two winning seasons since 2008-09. Owner Tom Gores is desperate to get the team back to being a consistent winner. They are set up to do that. But adding a player like Durant could \u2014 for one season \u2014 push them into being a Finals contender.<\/p>\n

What makes the Pistons an intriguing option is that they certainly have the trade chips in future draft picks, and young players like Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren to package in a trade. Furthermore, the Suns are looking to move Durant without taking a ton of money back this season and beyond. Detroit could have upwards of $25 million in cap space to help take on the $54.7 million Durant is owed this season.<\/p>\n

While it is unlikely, the Pistons have the means and the reason to jump into the Kevin Durant trade sweepstakes this offseason.<\/p>\n

Also Read:: 50 Best NBA players right now: Where do Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton land?<\/a><\/p>\n

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