Unexpected Giannis suitor may be on verge of giving Bucks a call

No one expected to discuss the Detroit Pistons seriously among Giannis Antetokounmpo's suitors this summer. Well, they may be about to join the conversation. 

In the regular season, the Pistons coasted to a 60-22 record and the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Now they trail Orlando 3-1 in the first round of the playoffs, one loss away from a gut-punching letdown. The roster's lack of a second option alongside Cade Cunningham, their point guard and franchise superstar, has been sorely exposed. 

Barring a comeback, the Pistons may be more aggressive than expected in upgrading the roster this offseason. If Giannis becomes available, they won't find a more dominant co-star to pair up with Cunningham. 

Pistons in dire need of another shot-creating star 

They seemingly had their one-two punch in Cunningham and center Jalen Duren, who broke out at an All-NBA level this season. Duren's dominance hasn't translated to the playoffs, however, as Orlando has exploited his lack of an outside jumper or shot creation ability. 

With Duren limited and Tobias Harris serving as the next best option, Detroit has had no answer for the constant double teams the Magic have thrown Cunningham's way. 

Part of the problem is Detroit's poor shooting, an issue Giannis wouldn't fix directly. But the Greek Freak is an offense unto himself, collapsing entire defenses with his gravity. Open looks abound with Antetokounmpo on the floor. No one would dare double Cunningham. 

Painfully, falling to the Magic would make the Pistons the first No. 1 seed to lose in the first round since the 2023 Bucks. Clearly this team is ready to win, but Cunningham could use some help. The front office has every reason to pay off years of patience by swinging big in the summer. 

Bucks would need better offer than Detroit can make on its own

Whether the Pistons could present an appealing offer is another question. Duren will be a restricted free agent, complicating the financial logistics of a sign-and-trade. The size and length of his projected contract would make that an unrealistic option for the Bucks.

That leaves guard Ausar Thompson as the top young player on the table. Including Thompson in any Giannis trade package makes sense for the Pistons. The former fifth overall pick has yet to develop a 3-point shot, making him a poor fit alongside Antetokounmpo. Floor spacing would be an issue. 

For the Bucks, though, a package built around Thompson, Daniss Jenkins, and draft picks isn't enticing. To match Giannis' salary, Detroit could offer some combination of Caris LeVert, Duncan Robinson, and Isaiah Stewart. Meh. Incorporating a third team would help, but it seems doubtful that Milwaukee would land its desired blue-chip prospect. 

Not to be overlooked is Giannis' interest, if any, in moving to Detroit. Before sacrificing talent and draft capital, the Pistons would need to know he would extend there. Giannis has one year plus a player option remaining on his contract. 

All that said, it couldn't hurt to call. Cunningham needs a partner in crime. Duren hasn't looked like a playoff riser. Giannis has a Finals MVP and career playoff averages of 27 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game.

If the Pistons' postseason ends in early agony, they'll be doing more than just window-shopping. 

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