The Detroit Pistons are in an interesting situation this summer, following their second-round loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. As the first seed in the East in 2025-26, the Pistons aren’t far from contention, but they need to take action to ascend into the same tier as top contenders like the Knicks, Heat, Cavaliers, and 76ers.
As they’ve been canvassing the league for reinforcements, multiple opportunities have emerged. But, according to NBA insider Brett Sigel, the Pistons are coveting Kevin Durant as their big offseason addition.
“If Durant becomes available in any capacity or the Rockets look at possible trades involving him either now or in the near future, the Pistons are fully expected to be at the front of the line to bid on his services,” Siegel reported on Friday.
After losing Tobias Harris to the Spurs, Detroit needs another scoring threat on the wing, and Durant would more than suffice. Besides his status as a two-time champion, four-time scoring leader, and 16x All-Star, he’s coming off a dominant season for the Rockets with averages of 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game on 52.0% shooting and 41.3% shooting from three.
Even at 37 years old (turns 38 in September), Durant is still someone who can produce at a high level, and his presence in the frontcourt would alleviate pressure from Cade Cunningham. The only problem for Detroit is that the Rockets would likely ask for Jalen Duren back, along with draft picks. At the very least, the Pistons would have to part with Duncan Robinson, who was their best three-point shooter in 2025-26.
Of course, with reports of a growing rift between Durant and the Rockets, his trade value dwindles by the week. That’s not to mention his age and contract, which includes a $46 million player option in 2027-28. Those factors alone are enough to believe the Rockets might be looking to get off his contract.
“Whether or not the Rockets look to continue their partnership with Durant is the big question at large, especially since they don’t view him as an ‘untouchable’ talent in trade talks on their roster,” Siegel wrote. “Many around the league are skeptical of the Rockets wanting to keep Durant through the end of his current contract running through the 2027-28 season. It isn’t a secret to anyone that there were tensions between Durant and the Rockets’ locker room last season after reports of an alleged burner account came to light and frustrations were mounting internally about the team not taking a step forward with the former league MVP at the helm.”
Ultimately, with so many storylines unfolding across the league, it’s impossible to say how the Rockets stack up to their competition. With Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic, some would say they got better this summer, and trading Durant at this stage could set them back. Nevertheless, the Pistons are going to try, and they are fully committed to the cause.
For Durant, changing teams yet again is likely not in his plans, but we’ve seen him make it work in various circumstances. As a future Hall of Famer and one of the best scorers ever, Durant’s greatness is undeniable, and it makes sense why the Pistons (among other teams) are pushing for his arrival.
