Trading for an aging star risks crippling the Detroit Pistons long-term flexibility. Discover why an expensive veteran contract could trap the young core instead of fueling a deep postseason run.
The Detroit Pistons need another offensive piece. That part is not difficult to see.
In a recent Sports Illustrated article, John Hobbs listed Paul George as one of three under-the-radar trade targets for Detroit, arguing that the Pistons need a secondary scoring option to lighten the load on Cade Cunningham. The logic is understandable. Detroit’s playoff offense leaned too heavily on Cunningham, and while the Pistons have built a strong defensive foundation, they still need more reliable shot creation if they want to make it out of the Eastern Conference.
Cunningham did everything he could. He averaged 28.1 points, 7.5 assists, and 5.1 rebounds in 14 playoff games, carrying a massive creation burden while defenses loaded up on him possession after possession. That kind of production is impressive, but it also highlights the problem. Detroit cannot expect Cunningham to be its engine, closer, table-setter, and scorer every night and still have a sustainable postseason offense.
George would give Detroit name value, experience, and another player capable of creating his own shot. At his best, he has been one of the league’s smoothest two-way wings, someone who can score from three levels, defend multiple positions, and fit next to other high-usage players.
The issue is not the concept. It is the cost and timing.
George is entering his age-36 season and is set to make $54.1 million in 2026-27, with a player option after that. That is a massive financial commitment for a player whose best years are behind him. Any trade would require Detroit to match significant salary, and the SI article mentions a potential structure involving Isaiah Stewart and Duncan Robinson. That would mean the Pistons are not just adding George; they are likely subtracting useful depth to take on one of the league’s heaviest contracts.
For a young team still building around Cunningham, that is dangerous.
Detroit should not be afraid to be aggressive, but there is a difference between raising the ceiling and rushing things. George might make the Pistons better in the short term, but his contract could quickly become a problem if his decline accelerates or injuries limit his availability. The Pistons just fought their way into relevance through drafting and smart acquisitions. Their next move should support their long-term core, not trap them into an expensive veteran gamble.
There are other players Detroit could target
If someone like Trey Murphy III ever becomes available, he would make far more sense. Murphy brings size, shooting, athleticism, and fits Detroit’s timeline. He would not need the ball constantly, and his floor spacing would make Cunningham’s life easier without requiring the Pistons to reshape everything around him.
Michael Porter Jr. would also be a more logical target if he were attainable. He comes with his own contract and health concerns, but he is younger than George and provides exactly the kind of high-level shooting and scoring punch Detroit lacked in the playoffs.
For Philadelphia, moving George would make sense if the Sixers want to get off his money and reshape the roster around Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. For Detroit, taking that contract on would be a much bigger gamble. The Pistons should use their assets to find offense, but not at the expense of future flexibility.
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Wes Dixon is a contributing writer to 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached at [email protected].
