Pistons could emerge as surprise winner of Giannis Antetokounmpo trade

Apr 10, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo looks on during warmups prior to the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

The Detroit Pistons may not be pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo directly, but they could still influence where the two-time MVP plays next season.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Detroit is a team to "monitor" as a possible facilitator in a trade between the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat. Such a deal could send Tyler Herro to the Pistons while Antetokounmpo heads to Miami.

That possibility matters because Detroit's playoff exit exposed a significant weakness. The Pistons struggled to provide consistent perimeter shooting around Cade Cunningham, which allowed defenses to focus more on their franchise guard.

Herro would address that issue immediately. He has averaged at least 20.0 points per game in each of the last five seasons and owns a career 38.2 percent mark from three-point range. Because he can score both on and off the ball, his addition would give Cunningham more room to operate.

Stein's report did not specify what Detroit would need to send out in a potential three-team trade. However, the Pistons are reportedly exploring several avenues to improve their roster before next season.

Stein identified Kyrie Irving, Trey Murphy III, Coby White, Isaiah Joe and Zach LaVine as players Detroit is believed to be evaluating this offseason. That list suggests the front office is prioritizing offensive improvement after the team's postseason shortcomings.

The broader trade picture remains uncertain because Milwaukee has shown little enthusiasm for the offers it has received. According to The Athletic's Sam Amick, rival executives believe Jaylen Brown alone would not be enough compensation in a potential deal with the Boston Celtics.

Amick also reported that league observers believe Milwaukee is operating like a team expecting to own the 10th and 13th selections in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Heat currently control the 13th pick.

Because Herro is entering the final year of his $33 million contract, he may not fit Milwaukee's timeline if the Bucks choose a rebuilding path. That reality could create an opening for Detroit to acquire a proven scorer while helping facilitate one of the NBA's biggest offseason trades.

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