Some NBA teams are focused on the future. That’s fair. Teams with younger rosters need to be looking ahead. At the same time, if the present gets bleak enough,, a team could have issues.
Look at the Detroit Pistons. They’re the worst team in the NBA. That’s fine – only they were the worst team in the NBA last season as well. The Pistons have been rebuilding for too long.
What should they do? It seems like Detroit could be interested in making a win-now trade. Could they consider tearing this whole thing down and starting from scratch?
If so, could they send Cade Cunningham to the Orlando Magic?
NBA Trade Proposal: Orlando Magic Land Detroit Pistons’ Cade Cunningham
Detroit Pistons Receive: G/F Joe Ingles, G/F Anthony Black, 2025 First-Round Pick (ORL), 2027 First-Round Pick (ORL), 2029 First-Round Pick (ORL)
Orlando Magic Receive: G/F Cade Cunningham, G/F Alec Burks
For some time, the Magic have been focused on the future. Times have changed. The Magic have officially advanced to join the ranks of the league’s competitive teams.
What have they done differently from the Pistons? Well, this roster fits together – for the most part. The Magic have had a deliberate approach to team building.
They’ve prioritized the defensive end of the floor. By contrast, the Pistons seem to have strictly accumulated talent. Still, Orlando’s roster isn’t perfect.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic Updates
Offensively, they feature plenty of playmaking – but they don’t have enough floor spacing.
With that in mind, should they acquire Cunningham?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
Well, Cunningham’s shooting is coming around. Black is actually shooting a higher percentage from deep, but that’s misleading.
Cunningham is constantly at the center of opposing defenses’ attention. Opponents dare Black to shoot. If he joined the Magic, teams would have to defend Cunningham differently.
After all, they can’t ignore Paolo Banchero or Franz Wagner. Following this deal, that trio would be the backbone of Magic basketball for years to come. Nothing else matters.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic Updates
The Magic have other young players they could move following this deal. The goal would be to surround Cunningham, Banchero, and Wagner with floor spacing and defense.
Should the Pistons help Orlando put that potential dynasty together?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
This wouldn’t be an easy decision for Detroit to make. It may not be the right decision, either. Cunningham is playing well – Detroit could look to trade anyone else on this roster.
Still, we’ll make the case. This is bad. The Pistons are having perhaps the worst season in NBA history. They don’t have to trade Cunningham, but they could justify hitting the reset button.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic Updates
Besides – this deal doesn’t leave them in bad shape. The Pistons would still have plenty of young talent – and now, they’d be adding Black and three first-round picks to their arsenal. They’ll have to turn their attention to the future again – hopefully, it looks brighter this time.
