The Detroit Pistons made plenty of changes this offseason after their heartbreaking second-round loss, but they certainly didn’t land any of their top targets initially.
One long-shot target that the Pistons have to keep their eyes on is the veteran guard, Kyrie Irving.
Throughout the offseason, the Mavericks have made it clear that they prefer to see Irving share the court with Cooper Flagg after adding the former Duke superstar as the No. 1 pick one season ago.
But make no mistake: the Mavs just might be delaying the inevitable.
The Klay Thompson Step
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – JANUARY 29: Klay Thompson #31 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts during the fourth quarter of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Center on January 29, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
On Friday, August 21, the Mavericks officially cut ties with the veteran sharpshooter, Klay Thompson.
Although the Mavericks initially pushed back on the thought of losing Thompson, the 36-year-old continued to make it clear that he wanted to land with a contender.
Thompson struck a buyout, and now he’s expected to head to Florida to join the Miami Heat, who loaded up with Giannis Antetokounmpo this season.
Kyrie Irving might not hit the trade block in August, but it might only be a matter of time before the Mavericks have to accept the reality that they aren’t on the right timeline for the 34-year-old veteran.
Patience Can Pay Off For The Pistons
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 12: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks gestures to the crowd after defeating the Golden State Warriors at American Airlines Center on February 12, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
If the Mavericks eventually make Kyrie available, you can bet that it’s going to be more than just the Pistons making calls to Dallas.
But if the Mavs are willing to work with the veteran sharpshooter to send him where he wants to go, it’s hard not to view the Pistons as an intriguing landing spot for the nine-time All-Star.
Irving is versatile enough to switch spots in the backcourt and would certainly complement Cade Cunningham, who is one of the NBA’s top playmakers.
During Irving’s pre-ACL injury season in 2023-2024, he averaged 25.6 points and 5.2 assists per game, while shooting 41.1% from deep.
In his last run during the 2024-2025 NBA season, Irving posted averages of 24.7 points and 4.6 assists, while knocking down 40.1% of his threes.
The age (34), price ($81.9 million over two years), and recent injury history could be viewed as yellow flags, but the Pistons shouldn’t overlook this kind of gamble.
If Irving hits the block, Cunningham should be urging the Pistons to find a way to match the $39.4 million salary.