Cade Cunningham Makes Bold Admission About NBA Future: the Only Team He’d Join If He Ever Leaves Detroit Pistons

In a statement that has caught the attention of the entire basketball world, Detroit Pistons star guard Cade Cunningham has addressed ongoing speculation. While the 23-year-old remains fully committed to the Pistons’ ongoing rebuild, he made headlines this week after revealing that if he ever left Detroit, there is only one NBA team he would consider joining

Speaking candidly during a media session, Cunningham acknowledged the increasing interest from several high-profile franchises.

“Yeah, I’ve heard the rumors,” he said with a smile. “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 admission sent shockwaves through the NBA community. Cunningham has become the face of the Pistons’ future since being selected first overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. His combination of size, skill, leadership, and poise has made him one of the league’s brightest young stars. In the 2024–25 NBA season, Cunningham averaged 26.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game, solidifying his status as one of the top point guards in the league.

Despite the Pistons struggling in recent seasons, Cunningham has shown unwavering loyalty to the franchise. The front office recognized that dedication in July 2024 by rewarding him with a five-year, $224 million max contract extension, locking him in through the 2029–30 season. However, his recent comments suggest a dream of playing at Madison Square Garden could one day become a reality.

“I grew up watching the Knicks. That energy, that building, that crowd  it’s special,” Cunningham 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.”

The Knicks have undergone a transformation themselves in recent seasons. Under strong front office leadership and a new competitive roster, New York has become a regular playoff team, drawing interest from stars around the league. For a player like Cunningham who thrives under pressure and embraces big moments the idea of leading the Knicks to a championship would undoubtedly be enticing.

Still, it’s important to note that Cunningham made it clear his heart remains in Detroit.

“I love what we’re building here. I believe in the process, and I want to win with this group,” he 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 analysts have been quick to weigh in on his comments. Some view it as simply an honest response to a hypothetical question, while others believe it could fuel trade rumors down the line, especially if the Pistons fail to deliver postseason success in the coming years.

“This doesn’t mean Cade is leaving,” said ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. “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 looking to bring in a true superstar.”

For now, fans in Detroit can rest assured that Cunningham remains fully engaged in leading the team forward. But his comments about the Knicks made respectfully and thoughtfully  have added a fascinating twist to his evolving career narrative. One thing is clear: whether in a Pistons jersey or potentially one day in Knicks blue and orange, Cade Cunningham’s star power is undeniable.