Following the major events leading up to the first night of the NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons made a significant move by trading Isaiah Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies for three second-round picks on Tuesday night. For all intents and purposes, such a trade would typically raise some eyebrows. But when examining the impact of this deal on Detroit’s salary cap, it suddenly makes more sense.
With Stewart off the books, Detroit is now $75.5 million below the tax line, possesses its $15.1 million non-taxpayer MLE, two trade exceptions ($15 million and $8.7 million), and even has room to absorb salary. Overall, the Pistons are perfectly geared to pursue a superstar to pair with Cade Cunningham, and according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard are on their radar.
“What if they go big-game hunting? What if they check on the availability of Kawhi Leonard, who we’re not quite sure if he’s going to extend his contract in LA or be traded? What if they look at some of the bigger names who could be out there?” Windhorst commented. “Heck, they’ve cleared enough open [cap] space; they could call LeBron James if they wanted to.”
After a second-round exit in this year’s playoffs, it was evident that the Pistons would attempt to upgrade their roster. However, with both Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson due for contract extensions, Detroit’s cap flexibility was quite limited.
With this move, the Pistons have given themselves enough wiggle room to pursue an A-list star. With specific reference to Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James, we explore how Detroit can bring the veteran superstars over to the Eastern Conference this summer.
Pistons Can Pull Off Blockbuster Trade To Land Kawhi Leonard
2025-26 Stats: 27.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.9 SPG, 50.5% FG, 38.7% 3P FG
Contract: $50.3 million for the 2026-27 season
Acquiring Kawhi Leonard may seem difficult on paper. However, there is some speculation that the seven-time All-Star could become available in trade talks if he and the Clippers don’t agree on an extension this summer. Hence, with Detroit displaying an interest, here is a trade package that could help the Pistons acquire the 34-year-old:
Proposed Trade Details
Detroit Pistons Receive: Kawhi Leonard
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Tobias Harris (sign-and-trade), Duncan Robinson, Ron Holland, 2027 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick
There are several ways the Pistons could absorb Leonard’s incoming $50.3 million cap hit in this deal. While using their trade exceptions would help, the Clippers may see more benefit in packaging Tobias Harris (one-year, $20 million extension), Duncan Robinson (~$15.9 million), Ron Holland ($9.0 million), and two first-round picks.
The Clippers would see merit in this deal because of the draft compensation and the salary cap flexibility they gain in 2027 once Harris’ $20 million deal is over. Aside from this, acquiring a lethal perimeter threat like Robinson and a gifted defensive asset such as Holland aligns perfectly with their young core.
On the other end of the trade, the Detroit Pistons acquire one of the most reliable two-way players the league has ever seen. When healthy, Kawhi Leonard has firmly asserted himself as one of the most dependable superstars in the NBA.
Given how dominant he was coming out of the All-Star break, with some even referring to him as an MVP candidate, the Pistons would largely benefit from pairing him with Cade Cunningham.
While a trade appears to be the most likely outcome, another less likely possibility remains.
Should the investigations into the Clippers’ salary cap scandal conclude, the NBA could void Kawhi Leonard’s contract as a penalty, essentially making the forward a free agent. In such an event, the Pistons would have a clear line to offer Leonard a lucrative new contract. But as mentioned earlier, this would be quite unlikely.
Pistons’ Long Shot To Acquire LeBron James
2025-26 Stats: 20.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 7.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 51.5% FG, 31.7% 3P FG
Contract Status: Free Agent, $52.6 million for the 2025-26 season
LeBron James is one of the biggest names on the free agent market this offseason. Despite being 41 years old, the superstar continues to generate interest from teams, highlighting his impact even at this stage in his career.
For the Pistons, acquiring LeBron James may not be as challenging as acquiring Leonard. Since he is a free agent, Detroit can directly engage in discussions with the superstar. The point of conflict, however, will be the contract offer.
It is well known that James expects to sign a max contract this offseason. In light of his performance last year, it would be hard to deny him. Still, given his age, teams have been hesitant to present such an offer.
There was some expectation that the Lakers would meet his demands. However, with the Purple and Gold handing a four-year, $185 million extension to Austin Reaves, their chances of presenting James with a meaningful offer seem slim.
Overall, this could make the task much easier for Detroit. Even though they haven’t been named a preferred destination for James, the Pistons’ record last season (60-22) and their title-winning potential could convince the superstar to sign with them.
On paper, a two-year, $60 million deal would seem ideal for the Pistons. But given James’ expectations for a max contract, the Pistons could present a one-year, $50 million contract, too. Considering what he could bring to the table with his playmaking and versatility, Detroit may benefit from investing in signing the 41-year-old.
Conversely, the Lakers may also be hesitant to let James walk in free agency. But if a sign-and-trade scenario is floated, Detroit may not see the merit in doing this deal.
Final Thoughts
On paper, the notion of acquiring Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James is immensely promising for the Detroit Pistons. What Leonard brings to the table from a scoring and defensive perspective perfectly aligns with what the Pistons need to support Cade Cunningham. Additionally, by adding another superstar like LeBron James to act as a secondary playmaker, Detroit gains significant offensive flexibility.
Although the upside from this deal is quite captivating, the downsides are also worth acknowledging.
At 34, Leonard is in the final years of his prime. Given how his injuries have affected his availability over the years, the Pistons would be taking a huge risk by trading for him, especially when they are in a solid position to contend for the title.
Similarly, adding a player like James is great in theory. However, convincing him to be the third option on a new team may prove more challenging than expected. In the off chance he takes over playmaking duties from Cunningham, there is also some risk of internal frustration with the change in roles.
In conclusion, the Pistons would be advised to pursue one of the two stars rather than both. By keeping their eyes peeled for other roster upgrades, Detroit may stand to gain much more from embracing a more stringent approach.
