NBA fans didn’t hold back after former Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas tossed out a theory that felt more like a reach than real analysis. On Wednesday’s episode of The Gilbert Arenas Show, the retired guard reacted to Cade Cunningham’s new six-year endorsement deal with Nike — a partnership that includes a signature shoe set to release in 2026-27 — and quickly jumped into conspiracy mode.
“If you are a Pistons fan you should be worried,” Arenas claimed. “Nike has it’s own agenda. And I am pretty sure Cade staying in Detroit isn’t a part of their agenda.”
Gilbert Arenas sends a warning to Pistons fans.
“If you are a Pistons fan you should be worried. Nike has it’s own agenda. And I am pretty sure Cade staying in Detroit isn’t apart of their agenda.”
(Via @GilsArenaShow / h/t @ClutchPoints ) pic.twitter.com/5W3mqMvMos
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 19, 2025
Fans weren’t having it. Many pushed back, pointing out that several Nike athletes have signed big multi-year deals and stayed committed to their teams.
One fan wrote, “Yeaa I Mean Its Not Like One Of Nike’s Biggest Athletes Hasn’t Been In Milwaukee For Over A Decade…”
Another added, “DBook stayed in Phoenix, Giannis stayed in Milwaukee, Ja still in Memphis…”
A third joked, “11 game winning streak and he says sh*t like this lmfao get out.”
Detroit’s strong start only made Arenas’ take look even weaker. The Pistons opened the season with an 11-game winning streak and remain unbeaten in the NBA Cup. With Cunningham setting the tone, Detroit finally resembles a team ready to turn the page.
“That’s real respect”: NBA fans react to Kevin Durant showing love to Cade Cunningham
While Arenas tried stirring the pot, Kevin Durant went in the opposite direction. During a Boardroom sit-down, Durant read a message about Cunningham securing his new Nike deal and immediately lit up. The Houston Rockets star dapped up the Pistons guard and showed genuine excitement for him.
“I’m so happy for you dog,” Durant said. “We had a conversation this summer… We ain’t gonna go through the details but we was just talking about the Nike game and what it means and like, how important that is to us. For you to get your own shoe and for you to have a legacy like, you know how big that is bruh?”
KD showing love to Cade is huge. That’s real respect. 🫡
— Calvin | Kiwi (@Kiwiuh) November 17, 2025
Fans appreciated the moment. One said, “KD showing love to Cade is huge. That’s real respect.”
Another added, “All the certified legend vets showin love to Cade and praising him they know he’s up next. That’s my PG man.”
A third wrote, “Should’ve had the conversation over the phone about you going to Detroit… adding KD to replace Tobias would’ve been insaneeeeeeee.”
Through 12 games, Cunningham has been the heartbeat of Detroit’s early surge, averaging 27.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 9.9 assists, and 1.4 steals.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
