Cade Cunningham Fuels Speculation: “If I Ever Left… I Know Exactly Where I’d Go”
By fictional sportswriter Jalen Marks – June 29, 2025
In a quiet moment that instantly made loud headlines, Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham casually dropped a bombshell that has the NBA world buzzing. After a grueling off-season workout in Los Angeles, Cunningham took a few moments to speak with a group of reporters. What started as routine questions about his development and team goals for the upcoming season quickly shifted into something much more headline-worthy.
When asked about trade rumors and the instability surrounding the Pistons’ roster rebuild, Cade paused—then smiled.
> “I mean, I love Detroit, I love what we’ve started here. But if I ever left?” he shrugged. “I already know exactly where I’d go.”
That single quote, delivered with calm confidence, was enough to ignite a firestorm of speculation. Within minutes, social media exploded with theories and fan reactions. Where would he go? Was it the Mavericks, where he could pair with Luka Doncic? Or the Lakers, always a player magnet? Or perhaps it was a return home to Texas, where he starred at Montverde Academy before committing to Oklahoma State.
While Cade didn’t reveal the mystery team directly, fans and insiders alike have begun piecing together clues—especially after he was spotted at a Dallas Mavericks charity event just last week, wearing vintage Dirk Nowitzki sneakers.
THE MYSTERY OF “IF I EVER LEFT”
For a player like Cunningham — a former No. 1 overall pick and franchise cornerstone — such words are not spoken lightly. Over his four seasons in Detroit, he has shown loyalty, leadership, and a relentless work ethic. His stats have steadily climbed, with averages last season of 22.4 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game. He’s been the heart of a struggling Pistons team, one that’s failed to make the playoffs since 2019.
But for all his professionalism, it’s no secret that Cade wants to win. And with the Pistons still in a youth-heavy rebuild, some believe his patience may be wearing thin.
NBA analyst Maria Ellis weighed in on ESPN’s NBA Now:
> “Cade’s not demanding a trade — let’s be clear. But what he said was intentional. He’s putting the front office on notice: build a contender, or risk losing your franchise star.”
FAMILY, FIT, AND THE FUTURE
Cunningham has long emphasized the importance of family and culture in his career decisions. He’s close with his brother, Cannen, who served on his college coaching staff, and he’s known to prioritize team chemistry over media hype. That’s why some insiders believe his preferred destination may not be a glitzy market, but a team with strong leadership, a defined identity, and room to thrive.
Two teams keep coming up in back-channel conversations: the San Antonio Spurs — with Victor Wembanyama and elite player development — and the Dallas Mavericks, where a Texas reunion and a Doncic-Cunningham backcourt would electrify the league.
DETROIT’S NEXT MOVE
In Detroit, GM Troy Weaver faces mounting pressure. Fans want a winning product, and losing Cade would devastate a city that’s poured its hopes into his potential. The team just hired a new head coach, revamped its training staff, and is rumored to be pursuing high-level free agents.
Cunningham, for now, remains committed. But his “I know exactly where I’d go” statement lingers like an unanswered question — a quiet challenge to the Pistons brass to build now, or risk watching their brightest star light up another city.
Until then, Cade keeps working, keeps smiling — and keeps the league guessing.
One thing’s certain: if he ever does leave, it won’t be a surprise. He already knows where he’s going.
