The Detroit Pistons are experiencing one of the best starts to a season in their recent history. With a surprising 14-2 record (13 consecutive wins) that has placed them among the most solid teams in the Eastern Conference, management is starting to look beyond the current success: the goal is to strengthen the project with a big-name addition.

According to Kendrick Perkins, former player and now analyst closely connected to the NBA world, the name at the top of their list is Anthony Davis.

My sources tell me Detroit has a lot of interest in the old Anthony Davis. You have to make the numbers work. Tobias Harris has a heavy, expiring contract… if you can keep Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren and add AD to that group, you have something special

Kendrick Perkins

The context, however, complicates things. Anthony Davis comes off a turbulent period with the Dallas Mavericks, where he landed in the trade involving Luka Doncic last season. Since then, his impact has been limited by frequent injuries: only five appearances this year, although maintaining top-level numbers when available (around 21 points and 10 rebounds).

The firing of Nico Harrison – the man who orchestrated the Doncic-Davis trade – has fueled further doubts about the big man’s future, already at the center of persistent rumors in recent weeks. Detroit isn’t the only team watching the situation: the Chicago Bulls have also been linked to the former All-Star.

Does Detroit really make sense as a destination?

From a technical standpoint, the Davis–Duren pairing would create one of the most physical and versatile frontcourts in the league. Not to mention the defensive impact AD would bring to a team that has already found identity and solidity.

The real challenge lies in availability and timing: the Pistons are a young, growing team with positive chemistry. Adding a superstar who requires consistent health would require a delicate balance. And there’s another question a skeptic would ask: does it make sense to sacrifice part of the future when the team is already functioning well for now?

Perkins has sparked interest, but there’s a long way from speculation to reality. The Pistons return to action Monday against the Indiana Pacers, while the noise around Davis will continue to grow. And until Dallas clarifies its direction, every scenario remains open.

If Davis were to actually land in Motor City, it would change not only the Pistons’ destiny but possibly the balance of the entire NBA.