The Detroit Pistons are in a position to make a big splash this summer after their core of young and talented players ended the franchise's playoff drought during the 2024-25 campaign.
With key building blocks in Cade Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, and Jaren Duren already in place, the time is now for Detroit's front office to strike while the iron is hot and bring in an established star to take the Pistons to the next level.
There are differing opinions regarding just how available this former All-Star is. However, if the new front office regime believes the best way to kickstart the franchise is by making a significant trade, Detroit should be among the first to make a call.
Pistons Acquire Zion Williamson in Projected Blockbuster Trade
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Williamson's injury history and weight issues led to the former No. 1 overall pick having little leverage in negotiations with the New Orleans Pelicans on his most recent contract. As a result, the final three seasons of the five-year, $197.2 million contract he signed in 2022 are not fully guaranteed.
At face value, a package centered around Harris, Holland, and draft capital would not be thought of as much of a return for a former top pick turned All-Star. However, when you consider that Williamson has only appeared in more than 30 games in two of his five seasons with the Pelicans, the cost of business goes down a bit.
The power forward position is one of the areas on the roster that doesn't currently line up with the rest of the team's timeline. As good of a player as Tobias Harris is, the franchise cannot expect him to be a key piece of the puzzle moving forward, as he is set to turn 33 years old this offseason. So, including him in any potential deals this offseason will allow Detroit to move on without letting Harris potentially walk for nothing as a free agent following the 2025-26 season.
Holland II is a player the Pistons think highly of, as practically no one projected him to be a top-five draft pick this past year. With the way the 19-year-old contributed off the bench during the 2024-25 campaign, Detroit saw something in him that the rest of the league didn't, and it could help bring a superstar in Williamson to the Motor City.
Whether the Pelicans actively engage in trade talks on Williamson remains to be seen. If they go in that direction, the Pistons should blow up Joe Dumars' phone in hopes the Detroit legend will dish out one final assist for the franchise.
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