The Detroit Pistons are heading into Game 4 with a 2-1 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers. While Cleveland finally got on the board, the Pistons are still favored to punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals.
As the majority of the league has entered offseason mode, the trade market beyond the playoffs is beginning to form. For the Pistons’ opponent, they could enter the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes soon, depending on how the second round shapes out.
The Pistons Could Force Cleveland Into A Shakeup
GettyTORONTO, ONTARIO – MAY 19: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks react during the first half in game three of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Scotiabank Arena on May 19, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
There are five teams currently in the playoffs with eyes on the Giannis situation with the Milwaukee Bucks.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Cavaliers are one of them.
“The NBA playoffs represent another landmark point for the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes,” Charania revealed.
“[The Cavaliers] pursued Antetokounmpo at the February deadline, and their finishes to the campaign will play a major factor in their aggressiveness to trade for him.”
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – MARCH 10: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after not being allowed to enter game during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Fiserv Forum on March 10, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
In addition to Cleveland, Antetokounmpo has eyes from the Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
One has to assume that another second-round exit for the Cavaliers would call for a major shakeup. The Cavs have been in the NBA Playoffs every year since 2023. That year, the Cavaliers lost 4-1 in the first round. In the following year, they lost 4-1 in round two. JB Bickerstaff was fired, which led him to Detroit.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – MARCH 04: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts during the first quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum on March 04, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Bickerstaff wasn’t the problem after all. In Kenny Atkinson’s first year as the head coach, the Cavaliers got to the second round. They lost 4-1 to the Indiana Pacers. After beating the Toronto Raptors in seven games this year, the Cavaliers are trailing in round two. The in-season blockbuster to acquire James Harden hasn’t lived up to the hype just yet.
Without showing any significant progress, the Cavaliers would be right in taking a look at Giannis. While Antetokounmpo battled setbacks throughout the 2025-2026 NBA season, he still proved to be an MVP-caliber talent when healthy.
In 36 games, Antetokounmpo averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists.
The Pistons and the Cavaliers will battle it out at 8 PM ET on May 11.