Kyrie Irving is the biggest prize for the Detroit Pistons, who are looking to acquire a star-caliber player to share the floor with Cade Cunningham. On February 25, 2025, Irving played against the Los Angeles Lakers, showcasing his skills.
What happened?
The Pistons' list of star targets is running thin, with top names like Austin Reaves and Coby White agreeing to new deals with their teams. Kawhi Leonard was linked, but he quickly lost interest in Detroit.
Why it matters for Kyrie Irving
Irving is a battle-tested champion who brings elite three-point shooting, with a career 39.4 percent average. He would fill needs for Detroit with and without Cunningham on the floor.
What comes next?
The Dallas Mavericks are playing hardball on any calls for Irving, signaling they don't want to trade him. The Pistons might need to overpay or wait for the Mavericks to accept they won't win a title, which could take months.
The Pistons need a star-caliber player, and Irving's skills make him a great fit. He averaged 24.7 points, 4.6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in 50 games during the 2024-2025 NBA season.
Irving missed the entire 2025-2026 season with a torn ACL, but he could still be a great addition to the Pistons. The team is prioritizing bringing back All-Star center Jalen Duren, but he still has offensive limitations.
Cade Cunningham will have the ball in his hands when he's playing, and Irving would thrive as a shooting guard in many different situations. If Cunningham is catching a breather, Irving would be the best backup point guard option for the Pistons.
The Pistons are going all in on a title now, and acquiring Irving would require a gamble. They might need to overpay or wait for the Mavericks to accept they won't win a title, which could take months that the Pistons don't have.
Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes said Irving is the biggest prize, and his craft on the ball is second to none. He would give the Pistons exactly what they've been missing since Jaden Ivey's devastating injury two seasons ago.
The Pistons are looking to make a move, and Irving is their top target. They need a star-caliber player to share the floor with Cunningham, and Irving's skills make him a great fit. The question is, will they be able to acquire him?