A former NBA star has urged the Detroit Pistons to join the Kevin Durant sweepstakes.
The two-time MVP is expected to move away from the Phoenix Suns after just two and a half seasons.
Brian Windhorst confirmed the Minnesota Timberwolves could explore a deal to trade for Kevin Durant.
According to reports the Timberwolves and the Houston Rockets are the likely destinations for the two-time champion.
However, former NBA player Joe Johnson has stated the Detroit Pistons should try to bring the 2014 MVP to add the veteran presence to the young locker room.
Despite his age, Durant is still one of the best scorers in the game, averaging just over 26 points in the 2024-25 season.
Johnson revealed the Pistons have an exciting roster, but they miss a scorer like KD, and this became more visible in the playoffs.
“If I’m the Detroit Pistons and this young group of guys that I have with Cade and them young dogs that you got over there. I think he’ll fit seamlessly over there, you know what I mean, because he’s a bonafide scorer,” said Johnson when talking about Durant’s potential trade to the Pistons.
Cade Cunningham was the only player on the Pistons who seemed to be consistent in scoring throughout the six-game series against the New York Knicks.
The likes of Tobias Harris and Tim Hardaway Jr. showed their veteran abilities, but they are not scorers like KD.
“We know that now you can say, oh, he 37, but he got at least another couple years, another good couple years in him, and playing on a team like that to where he don’t have to do that much dirty work, defensively.
“He could just be smooth and go out there and get your cool 25 and 32 a night because that’s what they was missing in the postseason,” Johnson added.
Even at 36, a KD trade would be difficult to execute due to the assets that will need to be attached to it.
The Suns are likely to ask for a lot and although there are reports suggesting they would lower their demands, it would be difficult for the team to function without its current roster.
It is likely the Suns are going to ask for a younger piece like Jalen Duren or Ausar Thompson in a deal and giving them up would make it difficult for the Pistons, even if Durant comes to the team.
They have a lot of cap space and can afford the contract, but if bringing Durant requires giving up either of those two young stars, it may be wise for the team not to make the move.
