The Detroit Pistons, after taking the New York Knicks to six games in the first round of the NBA playoffs, are expected to improve next season. On the back of Cade Cunningham, Detroit has a superstar to build around.
With players like Tim Hardaway Jr., Dennis Schroder, and Malik Beasley all unrestricted free agents, the Pistons will have to bolster their backcourt and wing rotation this summer.
Luckily, the Boston Celtics are in dire need of cutting some salary and are expected to take a step back next season as Jayson Tatum recovers from an Achilles injury, opening up the door for a blockbuster trade.
Derrick White
Dec 4, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) talks with Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) after a game at the TD Garden.
© Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey suggested a trade that brings an NBA champion and Olympic gold medalist to Detroit, immediately adding an esavkished star next to Cunningham.
Full Mock Trade Details
Pistons receive: Derrick White, Baylor Scheierman
Celtics receive: Jaden Ivey, top-10 protected 2027 first-round pick, top-five protected 2029 first-round pick
White would be the second-best (maybe even best) player on the Pistons and improve their defense. He can shoot and pass, taking both some playmaking and scoring responsibilities away from Cunningham.
Boston, meanwhile, will hope that Ivey can eventually take over as a Jrue Holiday replacement and be the franchise point guard for the second half of Tatum's prime, which looks to be delayed by a season.
White is one of the more respected players in the league, and two picks might not be enough to pry him from Boston.
If the Pistons can pull off this deal, a starting five of Cunningham, White, Harris, Duren, and hopefully Beasley makes them one of the best teams in the East.
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