Like the Raptors did with Kawhi in 2018-19, the Pistons could win a championship within months of acquiring Giannis.
With Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum out for most (and potentially all) of the 2025-26 campaign, the East has rarely been as open as it is now. And a team headlined by Cade Cunningham and Antetokounmpo would have as good a chance as any to represent the conference in the Finals.
Giannis is, at worst, the fourth-best player in the world. He’s averaged at least 28 points, 11 rebounds and five assists in each of the last six seasons. And in 2024-25, Cade made Third Team All-NBA and averaged 26.1 points, 9.1 assists and 6.1 rebounds.
In other words, Detroit would have two top 10-15 players, with a supporting cast that would still include a rim-running double-double machine (Jalen Duren), shooting (from Duncan Robinson) and a promising young wing (Holland).
The Pistons would probably have to find a way to add a little wing or guard depth. And figuring out the division of labor between Antetokounmpo and Cunningham could take some time, but having multiple superstars has long been a near-prerequisite for winning an NBA championship.
This trade would check that box for Detroit.