Detroit Pistons rumor brings stunning LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard scenario
Article excerpt
Could Detroit really pull something like this off?
Detroit Pistons rumor brings stunning LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard scenario originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
It was just a comment in the middle of the 2026 NBA Draft from ESPN insider Brian Windhorst, but it was a big one.
The Detroit Pistons might go after LeBron James or Kawhi Leonard.
Windhorst was spelling out how the Pistons have made room on their salary cap sheet to go after a big-time player.
The Pistons are expected to go “big game hunting” after trading Isaiah Stewart with Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James as potential targets, per @WindhorstESPNpic.twitter.com/BGzEfymnUQ
, Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) June 25, 2026
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He wasn't guaranteeing a move, but Windhorst was certainly making the case that Detroit has this well within their means.
LeBron would be the on-paper easier get, simply because he's a free agent.
James will have all kinds of suitors, and it's not clear whether the kid from Akron, Ohio would sign in Detroit. But the Pistons were just the top seed in the East, and the chance to play with Cade Cunningham could be appealing.
As for Leonard, he'd need to be picked up in a trade from the Los Angeles Clippers. He also comes with the uncertainty of his off-court troubles.
But the Pistons probably could get Leonard without trading an obscene haul in return.
Either of those guys would be an exciting add for Detroit, to be sure.
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