The Detroit Pistons have entered the 2026 NBA offseason with a clearly aggressive mindset. Already, they have been attached to quite a few big-time rumors.
Most recently, the rumors surrounding the Pistons have shifted to revolving around Kawhi Leonard.
According to a new report from ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst, Detroit would “want to be in line” for a Leonard trade if the Los Angeles Clippers make him available. However, there are clear obstacles in the way for the Pistons to make that trade.
Another report, this time from NBA insider Jake Fischer, has suggested that Leonard would have no interest in signing a long-term contract extension with the Pistons if he were traded to Detroit.
“Sources say that Leonard would not have interest in signing an extension with Detroit in the event that the Pistons traded for him this summer. Sources say he has a similar view regarding a long-term partnership with the Heat if Miami had any designs on pursuing Leonard to slot alongside Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo,” Fischer wrote.
Where would Leonard want to play if he leaves the Clippers? Two teams have emerged as potential candidates.
Those two teams happen to be franchises that Leonard has previously played for. He is reportedly open to a contract extension with both the San Antonio Spurs and Toronto Raptors. The Pistons did not make the cut.
Leonard is coming off of one of the best seasons of his long NBA career during the 2025-26 campaign. He played in 65 games, averaging 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals per game. In addition to those numbers, he shot 50.5 percent from the floor and 38.7 percent from three-point range.
Even at 34 years old, Leonard remains one of the top superstars in the league. How much longer he will remain playing at that level remains to be seen.
Only time will tell what the future has in store for Leonard’s NBA career. He could end up sticking around in Los Angeles, but a trade has seemed increasingly likely.
Perhaps his opinion on a trade to the Pistons will change. They are one of the hottest up-and-coming teams in the Eastern Conference. But, for now Detroit isn’t a team that he would be willing to commit to long-term.
