Detroit’s rise last season put the Pistons on notice, with Cunningham emerging as All-NBA-caliber and the team flirting with a legitimate playoff window. This piece weighs a bold, temp-ready upgrade: pairing Cunningham with Tyler Herro and Nikola Jovic from Miami. The proposed trade would move Ron Holland and Tobias Harris plus two protected firsts and a first-round swap for Herro and Jovic, testing Detroit’s flexibility and long-term continuity in a softened Eastern Conference.

The debate hinges on roster fit, defensive impact, and whether internal growth can sustain momentum. Langdon champions flexibility and development, while the mock trades suggest the ceiling could spike quickly if Detroit bets on a high-powered backcourt duo that aligns with Cunningham’s prime years.