CADE CUNNINGHAM MAKES BOLD ADMISSION ABOUT NBA FUTURE: THE ONLY TEAM HE’D JOIN IF HE EVER LEAVES DETROIT PISTONS

Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham has sparked intrigue across the NBA landscape after making a surprising, yet thoughtful admission about his future. While the 23-year-old guard reiterated his commitment to the Pistons’ rebuild, he revealed that there is one  and only one  NBA team he would consider joining if he ever left Detroit:

Speaking during a recent media session, Cunningham addressed growing speculation surrounding his long-term outlook in the league. The 2021 No. 1 overall pick has become the centerpiece of Detroit’s rebuild, but his candid remarks offered a rare look at the personal aspirations behind the polished, team-first mentality he typically projects.

“Yeah, I’ve heard the rumors,” Cunningham said with a grin. “There are a lot of great teams out there. I respect every organization that sees potential in me, but if I ever had to leave Detroit  which I don’t plan on  the Knicks would be the only team I’d want to join.”

The statement, while not a trade demand or a departure plan, sent ripples throughout the NBA community. Cunningham is widely regarded as one of the league’s premier young talents. In the 2024–25 season, he averaged an impressive 26.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game  a career-high across the board. His all-around play and leadership have solidified his role as the cornerstone of the Pistons’ future.

Despite Detroit’s  struggles, Cunningham has remained loyal to the franchise that drafted him. That loyalty was rewarded last July when he signed a five-year, $224 million max extension, securing his future in Detroit through the 2029–30 season. However, his recent comments suggest a sentimental pull toward one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises.

“I grew up watching the Knicks. That energy, that building, that crowd  it’s special,” he explained. “There’s something about the Knicks and New York that just feels like basketball at its core. It’s not about leaving Detroit. It’s about being honest about where I could see myself if things ever changed.”

Cunningham’s admiration for the Knicks appears rooted in both nostalgia and the current competitive climate. The franchise has undergone a renaissance in recent years, rebuilding into a consistent playoff contender under savvy front office leadership and a deep, gritty roster. The allure of Madison Square Garden, often described as basketball’s mecca, continues to attract top-tier talent  and Cunningham’s name now adds fuel to New York’s ongoing search for a superstar.

Still, he emphasized that his current focus remains squarely on Detroit. “I love what we’re building here. I believe in the process, and I want to win with this group,” Cunningham said. “But I also believe in being real. If someday, for whatever reason, I had to go, the Knicks would be the one team I’d want to represent.”

NBA insiders were quick to weigh in on Cunningham’s remarks. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski offered a tempered perspective, stating, “This doesn’t mean Cade is leaving. He’s locked into a long-term deal, and Detroit values him as a franchise cornerstone. But it does open the door for future speculation, especially with New York constantly in the mix for a marquee name.”

While Cunningham’s loyalty to the Pistons remains unquestioned, his candidness has added a compelling wrinkle to his story. For Detroit fans, his comments might raise a few eyebrows, but they also reflect the mindset of a player who respects the game, its history, and the power of legacy.

Whether he finishes his career in Detroit or one day wears Knicks blue and orange, one thing is certain: Cade Cunningham’s star is rising, and the basketball world is watching.