The Detroit Pistons are in the market for shooting, and few players in the league space the floor like Luke Kennard. The former Piston is currently leading the NBA in three-point percentage, and his name has surfaced as a potential trade deadline target for Detroit - a reunion that makes some sense on paper, especially considering the team’s dire need from beyond the arc.
Kennard’s fit becomes even more intriguing when you consider the mechanics of a potential deal. His $11 million expiring contract could be absorbed into the Pistons’ trade exception without the team needing to send out matching salary. That flexibility gives Detroit a low-risk opportunity to add a specialist without compromising future cap space or major assets.
And while Kennard may not be the exact player Detroit lands, he represents the kind of move that aligns with the organization’s current approach under general manager Trajan Langdon. Langdon has shown a cautious hand in his early tenure, avoiding any major shakeups before he’s had a chance to fully evaluate the roster - especially under the pressure of meaningful games, which the Pistons hope to play come spring.
So, don’t expect a blockbuster. But a targeted addition like Kennard? That’s the kind of move that could materialize.
The Case for Kennard: Elite Shooting at a Bargain
Let’s be clear: Kennard’s shooting isn’t just good - it’s elite. He’s knocking down a league-best 48.1% from three this season, and this isn’t a one-off.
He’s led the NBA in three-point percentage twice before and is on pace to do it again. For a Pistons team that ranks near the bottom of the league in both three-point makes and percentage, Kennard’s gravity could open up the offense in a big way.
Better yet, the cost to acquire him wouldn’t be steep. Given his expiring deal and the fact that he’s currently playing on a team with a losing record, the asking price likely won’t be more than a couple of second-round picks - assets Detroit has in abundance. That’s a low-risk swing for a team that badly needs floor spacing.
The Other Side of the Ball: A Defensive Dilemma
But as always, there’s a catch - and in Kennard’s case, it’s defense. While his offensive value is undeniable, his struggles on the other end are just as glaring. Defense has never been his calling card, and that’s where the fit in Detroit gets murky.
The Pistons have worked hard to build a culture that emphasizes toughness and accountability on defense. Adding a player like Kennard, who’s frequently targeted in defensive matchups, would challenge that identity. It’s one thing to bring in a shooter; it’s another to bring in a liability.
For context, take Duncan Robinson. He’s another sharpshooter who’s often criticized for his defense, but he’s shown a willingness to compete and has found ways to stay on the floor in playoff settings.
Kennard hasn’t shown the same level of adaptability. If both were on the floor together, it’s fair to wonder if opposing offenses would simply hunt them in pick-and-rolls and force Detroit into uncomfortable rotations.
That’s the balance JB Bickerstaff would have to strike: Can the Pistons hide Kennard enough on defense to let his shooting shine? It’s a question that’s followed Kennard throughout his career, and it would be front and center again if he returned to Detroit.
Bottom Line: A Smart Swing - With Caveats
Kennard’s shooting is the kind of elite skill that can tilt a playoff game, and with his contract situation and the Pistons’ trade exception, the logistics of a deal are clean. If Detroit believes it can scheme around his defensive shortcomings - or at least minimize them - then the upside is clear.
But this isn’t a no-brainer. The Pistons would be adding a player who, for all his offensive brilliance, brings real risk on the other end. For a team still trying to establish its identity and build sustainable habits, that matters.
Still, if the price is right - and it likely will be - the Pistons could do worse than bringing in one of the best shooters in the game. Just don’t expect it to be the move that changes everything.
This would be a calculated step, not a franchise-altering leap. And for where Detroit is right now, that might be exactly what they need.