Cade Cunningham Buys Into the Texas Rangers - and Has Dallas Dreaming Big
Cade Cunningham just made a move that’s turning heads well beyond the basketball court. The Detroit Pistons star has purchased a minority stake in the Texas Rangers, and while that might not seem like NBA news at first glance, it’s sending a ripple through the Dallas basketball community - and for good reason.
Cunningham isn’t just a casual fan of the DFW area - he is DFW. Born and raised in Arlington, he spent his early high school years at Arlington Bowie and played grassroots ball for the Texas Titans.
The guy didn’t just grow up in the Metroplex - he grew up with it. So when he buys into the reigning World Series champs from his hometown, it’s more than a business move.
It’s a statement. And Mavericks fans are listening.
A Hometown Hero with Big-League Ties
Cunningham’s affinity for Dallas sports runs deep. He’s long been a Mavericks fan and a known admirer of Dirk Nowitzki - a name that still echoes through the American Airlines Center like a legend passed down through generations. So yes, when a 25-year-old NBA All-Star makes a play to invest in a local pro team, it’s only natural for Mavs fans to start connecting dots and dreaming big.
And while Cunningham is locked into a long-term deal with Detroit - his five-year rookie extension still has four seasons left after this one - the whispers have already started about what could happen down the road. Specifically, the summer of 2031, when he could hit unrestricted free agency.
The Long Game - But a Real One
Let’s be clear: Cunningham isn’t going anywhere right now. The Pistons are sitting atop the NBA standings with a 40-13 record, and he’s a huge reason why.
He’s having a monster season - 25.3 points, 5.6 boards, 9.6 assists, and a career-best 1.5 steals per game while shooting 46.2% from the field. That’s elite two-way production from a player just entering his prime.
But fast-forward a few years, and things could get interesting. If Cunningham ever decides to explore his options - whether due to a shift in Detroit’s trajectory or a desire for a new chapter - Dallas makes a whole lot of sense. Not just emotionally, but basketball-wise.
By the time the 2029-30 season wraps, Cunningham will be 28, still in his prime. Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks’ rising star, will be 23 and likely entering his own. If Flagg hasn’t found his long-term co-star by then, Cunningham could be the perfect match - a cerebral, physical, two-way point guard who can control tempo, create for others, and take over when needed.
A Duo Built for the Modern NBA
Think about that pairing for a second. Flagg’s versatility and length combined with Cunningham’s floor general instincts and scoring punch?
That’s not just a nice fit - that’s a potential championship core. Both players have the tools to lead a franchise, but together, they could elevate each other to another level.
And in a league where superstars are increasingly looking for the right situation - not just the biggest market or paycheck - the Mavericks could offer something unique: a hometown return, a ready-made co-star, and a franchise with a history of building around its stars.
From Baseball Buy-In to Basketball Buzz
So while Cade Cunningham’s purchase of a stake in the Texas Rangers might seem like a baseball headline, it’s got real implications for the NBA world - especially in Dallas. It’s a reminder of where his roots are, and a glimpse into where his heart might still be.
For now, he’s leading a Pistons team with title aspirations. But if the future ever brings him back to Texas, don’t be surprised if that Rangers investment ends up being the first domino in a much bigger story.