If the Detroit Pistons are serious about building a sustainable contender around Cade Cunningham, the trade deadline offers a rare opportunity - and Austin Reaves might just be the missing piece they’ve been searching for.
Let’s be clear: Reaves isn’t just having a good season - he’s having a breakout campaign that’s forcing front offices across the league to take notice. With averages of 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists per game, he’s producing at a level that puts him in elite company. That kind of output, paired with Cade’s all-around game, could give the Pistons one of the most dynamic young backcourts in the NBA.
Why Reaves Makes Sense in Detroit
Reaves has shown he can thrive both on and off the ball. He’s a career 37% shooter from deep, which makes him a natural floor-spacer alongside a playmaker like Cunningham.
But what’s really elevated his game this season is his growth as an on-ball creator. He’s become much more comfortable initiating offense, making plays for others, and taking over when needed.
That dual-threat ability is exactly what Detroit has been lacking - someone who can complement Cade but also carry stretches of the offense when he’s off the floor.
And while defense hasn’t been Reaves’ calling card, Detroit’s roster is better equipped to mask those deficiencies. The Pistons have young, athletic defenders who can take on tougher perimeter assignments, allowing Reaves to focus on what he does best: scoring and playmaking. That balance could unlock another level of his game.
Why the Lakers Might Listen
Now, it’s not easy to imagine the Lakers parting ways with a 27-year-old who’s blossoming into a legitimate star. But context matters.
Despite Reaves’ strong individual play, Los Angeles has struggled to find cohesion. Injuries to their core - Reaves, LeBron James, and Luka Doncic - have disrupted any rhythm, and the trio’s overlapping offensive styles and defensive limitations have created a less-than-ideal fit.
Add in Reaves’ contract situation, and things get interesting. He’s on a bargain deal this season at $14 million, with a player option next year for around $15 million.
But he’s outplayed that number - and everyone knows it. If the Lakers aren’t ready to commit to a sizable extension, they could risk losing him for nothing in free agency.
That opens the door for a team like Detroit to make a compelling offer.
The Long-Term Play for Detroit
For the Pistons, this isn’t just about a midseason upgrade - it’s about building a core that can grow together and compete for years. Cade Cunningham is already the franchise cornerstone.
Adding Reaves gives him a co-star who can share the offensive load, stretch the floor, and make plays in crunch time. And with Detroit’s cap flexibility, they’re in a much better position than the Lakers to give Reaves the kind of long-term deal he’s earned.
There’s also a bit of irony here. Back in 2021, Reaves reportedly passed on the Pistons during the draft process, aiming for a better fit elsewhere. But now, Detroit might be the place where he reaches his full potential - not just as a high-level role player, but as a bona fide star.
Pulling off a trade of this magnitude won’t be easy. It would likely require a significant package of picks or young talent. But the reward - a dynamic, balanced backcourt built around two rising stars - could be well worth the price.
In a league driven by elite guard play, the Pistons have a chance to build something special. If they can land Reaves, it might just be the move that changes everything.