Pistons predicted to trade for Mavericks' $118M veteran NBA champion, Future Hall of Famer

Pistons predicted to trade for Mavericks' $118M veteran NBA champion, Future Hall of Famer originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Detroit Pistons are off to another solid start, looking to build on last season's success and make an even deeper playoff run. However, the Eastern Conference is more competitive than it was a year ago, and Detroit knows repeating its regular-season success won't be easy. This summer, the Pistons explored several opportunities to acquire major star talent. Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard were among the notable names they reportedly pursued. “The Pistons inquired about trading for Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant this offseason, according to league sources, and were positioned to offer Austin Reaves a big free agent contract if the Los Angeles Lakers opened the door. None of that materialized," ESPN's Vincent Goodwill wrote. However, those weren't the only stars on Detroit's radar. The organization has also been linked to veteran NBA champion Kyrie Irving, who could eventually earn a spot in the Hall of Fame. Goodwill believes the Pistons could consider pursuing the Dallas Mavericks guard. “And if Detroit has the stomach to go after it this year, they could go after someone like Kyrie Irving in Dallas," Goodwill wrote. "Several staffers are fond of Irving's game, shot creation and malleability next to ball-dominant stars like James and Luka Doncic." Detroit understands that making a significant move could be necessary to take the next step toward championship contention. Sports Illustrated's John Hobbs believes a trade for Irving could be exactly what the Pistons need. “It’s no shock that Kyrie Irving features. He would likely appear on many teams' trade-dream lists, especially as Irving’s Dallas Mavericks look to change their squad. Detroit has emerged as a team eager to pair Irving with Cunningham. Boasting Irving's services would immediately address the Pistons’ lack of a secondary ball-handler while adding elite off-ball shooting, floor spacing, and a championship-proven closer for high-pressure moments,” Hobbs wrote. This would be an intriguing move for Detroit, especially with the possibility of pairing Irving with Cade Cunningham. Adding another elite ball-handler and shot creator would take some of the offensive burden off Cunningham while giving the Pistons another player capable of taking over in crucial moments. Irving is in the final year of his $118 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks. Detroit has shown a willingness to explore major moves, and acquiring a player of Irving's caliber would certainly shake up the Eastern Conference. More MLB news: Lakers predicted to trade for $5.2M six-foot-ten ex-Knicks lob threat to pair with Luka Doncic Thunder reportedly waive ex-76ers former first-rounder less than a week after signing him Warriors predicted to trade Draymond Green for ex-No. 1 pick, 2x All-Star to pair with Steph Curry Lakers predicted to trade for $125M shooting center to back up Walker Kessler in monster deal