The Detroit Pistons are officially ahead of schedule-and then some.
Just two years removed from a 68-loss season, Detroit now finds itself leading the Eastern Conference in winning percentage and sitting third overall in net efficiency. That’s not just a feel-good turnaround; that’s the profile of a legitimate contender. But as we approach the trade deadline, one question looms large: is this team ready to make a run as currently constructed, or is it time to go out and find Cade Cunningham a co-star?
Because while Cunningham has blossomed into the franchise centerpiece the Pistons hoped for when they took him No. 1 overall, he’s still carrying a heavy load. And as ESPN’s Tim Bontemps recently pointed out on The Hoop Collective, Detroit checks every box you’d want from a title contender-except for that second scorer. That’s the missing piece, the one that could elevate this from a fun story to a serious Finals threat.
Identifying the need is easy. Filling it? That’s where things get tricky.
The Pistons Are Playing the Long Game-But Should They?
Detroit’s front office isn’t acting like a team in panic mode. According to Tim MacMahon on the same podcast, the Pistons are “very much in a patient, methodical mindset.” They’re opportunistic, sure, but they’re not rushing to push all their chips in.
And to be fair, there’s logic behind that approach. This rise has come fast-maybe faster than even Detroit expected.
With Cunningham still just 24 and the rest of the core even younger, there’s no obvious reason to force a win-now move. Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson, Jaden Ivey, and Ron Holland II have all shown flashes, and the organization might want to see what they can do under playoff pressure before deciding whether outside help is necessary.
That’s not just cautious-it’s calculated. If those young guys can step up when the lights get bright, Detroit could find itself in a rare position: contending now and setting up for sustainable long-term success. In an era where cap flexibility and cost-controlled talent are more valuable than ever, the Pistons could be building something special from the inside out-much like what we’re seeing in Oklahoma City.
But What If the Moment’s Too Big?
Here’s the flip side: what if those young players aren’t quite ready? What if, come playoff time, defenses start loading up on Cunningham and there’s no one else capable of consistently making them pay?
That’s the risk of standing pat. The Pistons don’t have a clear second option like the Thunder do with Jalen Williams. And if no one in that supporting cast steps up, Detroit could find itself wasting a golden opportunity in what’s shaping up to be a wide-open Eastern Conference, especially with injuries and inconsistency plaguing other top teams.
And let’s not forget: playoff performances have a way of changing narratives-and trade values. A poor showing could drop the stock of Detroit’s young assets just as other teams start raising their prices, sensing desperation.
That’s the danger of waiting too long. Contending windows don’t always stay open as long as you think, and this one might be wider than it looks right now.
So What’s the Move?
That’s the million-dollar question. Detroit has the assets-young talent, draft capital, and a clear need. But do they have the urgency?
This trade season is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing ones in recent memory, and the Pistons are right at the center of it. Whether they swing big or stay the course, the decision they make over the next few weeks could define not just this season, but the trajectory of the franchise for years to come.
Because the Pistons aren’t just playing well-they’re knocking on the door of greatness. The only question is whether they’re ready to kick it down.