After being eliminated from the playoffs in the Eastern Conference semi-finals, the Detroit Pistons are rumored to be one of the more aggressive teams this offseason to build a true contender. One insider believes the club could be in the mix to make a big trade to potentially land Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers.
In his latest column for ClutchPoints, NBA insider Brett Siegel linked the Pistons with Leonard in the rumor mill. Siegel claims Detroit is expected to be one of several teams reaching out to the Clippers about possibly trading for the 34-year-old forward.
“It is clear that the Clippers' window to compete for a championship with Leonard has closed, which is why several playoff-contending organizations will have their eyes on him, along with Giannis [Antetokounmpo], this offseason,” said Siegel. “One of the teams expected to inquire about Leonard's availability, outside of those already mentioned as suitors from the trade deadline in February, is the Detroit Pistons, sources said.”
While the Pistons ended the regular season with the best record in the Eastern Conference and entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed, it wasn't enough to even reach the ECF. With Cade Cunningham in his prime surrounded by a solid cast of talented teamamtes, acquiring the 14-year veteran could be what Detroit needs to get over the top and make a real push at a title.
Although the Clippers missed the postseason after participating in the Play-In Tournament, Kawhi Leonard was as good as he's ever been in his career. In 65 games played for L.A. this season, the two-time Defensive Player of the Year averaged 27.9 points (career-best), 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 50.5% from the field and hitting 38.7% of his 3-point attempts.
