The number one pick in the NBA draft is a blessing. Throughout history, we’ve seen players get picked first and revolutionize their teams. Usually, a player is picked first overall because they’ve got superstar potential.
It isn’t always that simple. Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons hasn’t been able to revolutionize his team. Whether the blame lies with Cunningham is a matter of debate.
The Pistons have put an awkward roster around him. Now, they’re the worst team in the NBA for the second straight year. The San Antonio Spurs will hope to avoid the same fate.
They didn’t simply land the first overall pick – they landed Victor Wembanyama. Now, they must climb out of the NBA’s basement.
Could they start by acquiring Cunningham from the Pistons?
NBA Trade Proposal: San Antonio Spurs Land Detroit Pistons’ Cade Cunningham
Detroit Pistons Receive: G Devonte’ Graham, 2025 First-Round Pick (SAS), 2025 First-Round Pick (ATL via SAS), 2027 First-Round Pick (SAS)
San Antonio Spurs Receive: G/F Cade Cunningham
Revolutionizing a team isn’t easy. How does a team get the number one pick? It’s because they’re one of the worst teams in the NBA. Dragging them out of the basement is quite the task.
A player’s ability to do so will relate to that team’s philosophy. If a team stumbled into the pick, that’s one thing. If they tanked for it, that’s another.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs Updates
Look at the Pistons. They’ve been tanking for years. Now, they’ve got a lot of young talent to show for it – and very few wins. The Pistons are at risk of putting together the longest losing streak in NBA history.
It may be time for this team to consider some radical measures soon. Could they trade Cunningham?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
This wouldn’t be easy for the Pistons. It would actually be exceedingly difficult. They invested a lot of hope in Cunningham. Could they move him already?
In all likelihood, no. Still, indulge us in a thought experiment. What if the Pistons did make this deal? Where would it leave them? They’d still have Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson, and Jalen Duren on their roster.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs Updates
They’d also suddenly have a treasure trove of first-round picks. The Pistons would increase their optionality by making this move. They’d have to consider it if they’re desperate enough to make a change.
Should the Spurs send them so much draft capital?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
This wouldn’t necessarily be easy for the Spurs, either. Three first-round picks is a hefty sum. At the same time, they’d have to be tempted if this deal was on the table.
Acquiring Wembanyama was a blessing. Imagine having him and Cunningham? The Spurs would have the most anticipated NBA prospect since LeBron James on their roster, and they’d be pairing him with a player in the top five on that list.
Moreover, they’d have elite positional size between the two. If the Spurs could surround Wembanyama and Cunningham with knockdown shooters and defenders, they should be able to build a championship team.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs Updates
The Spurs already have one recent first overall pick. If Cunningham is available, they should make it two.
