Report: Pistons Fell Short Trying To Land 1 of 3 Superstars

The Detroit Pistons reportedly made an aggressive push to add another superstar alongside Cade Cunningham this offseason. They came up short in their pursuits of Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant and Austin Reaves, according to ESPN's Vince Goodwill. 

The Pistons reportedly pursued Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant and Austin Reaves this offseason but were unable to land any of them, per @VinceGoodwill (h/t @RTNBA ) https://t.co/AxTDCO0P7e

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 9, 2026

The Pistons made their best pitch to try to build a stronger supporting cast around Cunningham, the franchise's centerpiece. Each target could have offered a different skill set to help the Pistons take the next step toward championship contention.

Leonard would have given Cunningham an elite two-way teammate capable of taking over offensively while defending the opposition's best players. His postseason experience also could have proved invaluable for a young Detroit roster. But the former LA Clipper and now two-time Toronto Raptor made it clear that the Raps were the only team he was willing to sign an extension with. 

A Durant move is always a possibility after a season ends in disappointment, and there were rumors earlier in the offseason that he could look to move on. But the Houston Rockets were unwilling to engage in trade discussions, according to reports. Durant's Hall of Fame scoring ability would have eased the pressure on Cunningham, creating more space for the Pistons' All-Star guard to operate as a playmaker and attack defenses.

Reaves would have given the Pistons arguably the top backcourt in the NBA, as he would have complemented Cunningham with his shooting, secondary playmaking and ability to create his own offense, giving the Pistons another dependable scoring option in the backcourt. They were prepared to offer the unrestricted free agent a huge contract. But the Los Angeles Lakers weren't going to let Reaves get away, signing him to a four-year, $185 million maximum extension. 

The reported pursuits suggest the Pistons organization recognizes the need for additional star power. Once those avenues were extinguished, they spent the last part of the offseason embroiled in a nasty contract dispute with their incumbent No. 2 option, RFA center Jalen Duren, who eventually agreed to sign a five-year, $200 million extension. 

With Cunningham and Duren continuing to lead the way, the Pistons will be a team to be reckoned with in the East, but finding another true star could determine how quickly Detroit becomes a legitimate championship contender.