Detroit Pistons superstar Cade Cunningham was reportedly directly involved in an effort to convince Austin Reaves to leave the Los Angeles Lakers and move to the Eastern Conference.
According to ESPN's Vincent Goodwill, Cunningham played an active role in the Pistons' pursuit of Reaves as Detroit considered making a major offseason addition.
"Banking on internal improvement has been the thought going back from last summer when they didn't make a big move going into the season," Goodwill said on NBA Today.
"They wanted to see how Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland would play together, and it led to 60 wins. Now you're thinking Detroit was going to go make a big move this past offseason.
"Cade Cunningham was very involved in the potential recruitment of Austin Reaves. Austin Reaves re-signed with the Lakers. Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving - those were all names the Pistons were interested in.
"No moves materialized, and now they're going to bank on the restricted free agency of Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson's extension."
Pistons viewed Reaves as ideal fit next to Cunningham
The Pistons finished the regular season with 60 victories and secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference, but their offensive limitations became more evident during the playoffs.
Detroit remained heavily dependent on Cunningham to generate scoring opportunities, making Reaves an appealing option as a secondary creator.
The Lakers guard has proven capable of operating both on and off the ball while playing alongside another high-usage playmaker in Luka Doncic.
Reaves could have filled a similar role in Detroit, easing Cunningham's offensive workload while providing additional shooting, ball-handling, and playmaking.
Reaves ultimately remains with Lakers
Reaves previously acknowledged that he believed he might have to leave Los Angeles to receive the contract he wanted.
However, the Lakers eventually increased their offer and secured the guard on a new four-year deal.
Detroit's interest may have added pressure on Los Angeles to improve its proposal, but Reaves ultimately achieved his preferred outcome by receiving a new contract while remaining with the Lakers.