The Pistons are having one of their best seasons in years, but they still seem to be a tier below other contenders, and will be challenged by teams in the East with more playoff experience.
That can change, though, as there's a star player they could go after at the trade deadline, who would not only improve their roster but add the championship experience they're looking for.
The Pistons should target Kyrie Irving
Believe it or not, Kyrie Irving is still only 33-years old and has a lot left to give in the NBA.
He's currently rehabbing from a torn ACL injury that he suffered last season, but could soon return to action.
The Mavericks don't appear to be in a playoff position as it stands, and don't seem like a team with a chance to make any sort of postseason run, even if they turned their season around. This could lead them to field offers on their assets.
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ESPN's Tim Bontemps suggested the idea that the Pistons should iquire on Irving's situation right now, saying, "the guy that I really want the Pistons to get—who they probably can’t get, and I don’t know what his health status would be—the guy they need is Kyrie Irving."
Bontemps discussed how it would be great for Cade Cunningham to play alongside a veteran all-star guard who has had success on several levels.
Irving is just a couple of years removed from a run to the NBA Finals, where he played his role well next to Luka Doncic, and more notably was the co-star with LeBron James when the Cavs won the NBA Finals in 2016.
Irving is under contract through at least next season, with a player option on his contract for the 2027-28 season, when he would be 35-years old.
He's set to make $39.5 million a season, which, compared to some of the other contracts in the NBA, isn't too bad for a player of his caliber.
Of course, there are questions on his health and how he can bounceback after a major injury, but it seems like it's worth the risk for the Pistons, who are entering the start of a stretch where they have a serious window to be a contending threat in the NBA.
MORE: Would the Pistons trading for Michael Porter Jr. To replace Tobias Harris be a significant upgrade?
A successful two-team trade could be made within financial rules if the Pistons trade Duncan Robinson, Jaden Ivey, Caris Levert and a minimum contract, for Kyrie Irving, Dwight Powell and Brandon Williams.
Whether that's an even trade for both sides isn't the point, but the fact that a trade can be done within the rules is a good start for Detroit.
Additional teams could always be involved to help facilitate a trade. The Pistons would likely have to give up draft compensation as well to get Irving, depending on what his trade value is.
The Mavericks have a lot of decisions to make ahead of the deadline, as Anthony Davis has been another key player that teams have interest in.
It will be interesting to see if the Mavericks sell at the deadline or not, as they have a star in the making in Cooper Flagg, but have fallen short of overall team expectations to this point.
Trading Davis or Irving would indicate they are stocking up for a rebuild.
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