This offseason has been a tough one for Pistons fans. It started with the Malik Beasley allegations, which led to Detroit pivoting in free agency and signing replacements in Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson. While the Pistons didn't necessarily get worse coming off of an exciting 2024-25 season, the new addition likely can't provide the same spark Beasley did.
With the Eastern Conference wide open next season because of the injuries both Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton suffered during the playoffs, many fans expected the Pistons to make a splash. Cade Cunningham is coming off an unreal season and looks like a top 10 player in the league, yet there's one issue he doesn't have: a co-star or someone who can take the pressure off of him.
Many Pistons fans have pointed to Jaden Ivey to be that guy, and while I think Ivey has All-Star potential, his fit as a ball-dominant guard next to Cade is less than ideal. The perfect co-star for him would be a forward that pounds the rock inside, plays with force, and is a monster in the pick and roll. Sound familiar, doesn't it?
If you were thinking Zion Williamson, then you're right. Zion and Cade would have the potential to create the best pick-and-roll in NBA history and would instantly become a top 5 duo in the league. Back when the Pelicans' direction was extremely clouded, I came up with a mock trade to send Z to the 313. Thankfully, since then, Joe Dumars has made it clear Zion is the focus of this franchise going forward.
People need to hold off on the Zion Williamson trade proposals
So many sites are frequently pumping out mock trades that includes the Pelicans star, and yes, I understand it's a stale part of the offseason, and people need to hit quotas. But making unrealistic trade ideas with an awful package to send Williamson to other teams is not the way to go about it.
Joe Dumars has made it extremely clear that Zion is the guy going forward, and obviously, GMs lie to the media all the time, but the proof is right there. You never see or hear of a front office leader and his star player being as close as these two are. In a way, from the outside looking in, it's almost like that bond a lot of men have with an uncle. Someone honest and tough on you, but also sees the potential you have.
While many fan bases continue to draw up mock trades to land the Pelicans star, it is essential that we all remember these are mock trades for a reason.