Detroit — The Detroit Pistons have had an active start to the offseason. Last week, they made significant moves by trading up in the 2026 NBA Draft to select Ebuka Okorie with the No. 17 pick and Ugonna Onyenso with the No. 53 pick.
They also moved on from Isaiah Stewart in a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night. Two days later, the Pistons acquired sharpshooter Isaiah Joe in a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder, costing them two future second-round picks. Each of the previous moves was minor compared to what could happen starting Tuesday night when NBA free agency begins. The negotiation window is set to begin at 6 p.m.
Trajan Langdon, Pistons president of basketball operations, has been adamant about “looking at everything” when building next season’s roster. They are entering free agency with Jalen Duren’s future as a priority. He is a restricted free agent on the open market, and the primary goal is to retain the All-Star big man.
“J.D. had a fantastic season — one of the biggest contributors to us being the No. 1 seed,” Langdon said at his end-of-season press conference in May. “He made an incredible leap from last year to this year because of the work he put in last summer. We look forward to coming together with his representatives and getting a deal done for him to continue being a Piston.”
After being selected for the All-NBA Third Team, Duren is eligible to sign a rookie-max extension worth $287 million over five years this summer. As a restricted free agent, reports have surfaced about uncertainty surrounding his status and about his representative seeking a sign-and-trade. However, a source told The Detroit News on Friday that Duren is “going to be back” in Detroit.
Retaining Duren gives the Pistons a chance to keep a player who took the helm as Detroit’s second-best player last season, with career averages of 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds over 70 games. The Pistons regard Duren as a crucial member of their core trio, which also features Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson.
Duren’s decline in the playoffs (10.2 ppg and 8.5 rebs through 14 games) could affect the first-round pick’s chances of receiving the full maximum salary. However, the possibility of Duren receiving less than the maximum was always part of the strategy, in hopes of allocating funds to other priorities. One of which is the possible re-signing of Tobias Harris.
“Tobias has been great. His approach and professionalism have been huge in terms of us establishing the environment that we have had over the past two years,” Langdon said. “There isn’t a day when he does not come to work or a day when he doesn’t do extra work. Pre-practice and post-practice, he was a finalist for the community award. We are very proud of what he does for us.”
Harris has played a key role in the Pistons’ resurgence over the past two years, averaging 13.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, while shooting 47.3% from the field per game. Langdon has said Harris “is somebody we hope we can keep in a Pistons uniform.”
There is mutual interest between Harris and the franchise about a potential return, though other teams could be interested as well.
The upcoming decisions of Duren and Harris will significantly impact the Pistons’ free-agent strategy. They still need to acquire a secondary star or ball-handler to complement Cunningham. It is also worth noting the Pistons are entering free agency with a $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
With Austin Reaves deciding to re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, the market is limited when it comes to finding a suitable two guard. The Pistons also have missed out on landing other desired guards, such as Ayo Dosunmu (Minnesota Timberwolves) and Coby White (Charlotte Hornets), who have both re-signed with their respective teams.
The best option available appears to be All-Star Norman Powell, who could not only serve as Cunningham’s backcourt mate but also enhance the team’s 3-point shooting and provide solid defense. Powell’s time with the Miami Heat is likely coming to an end due to the franchise’s acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks. Powell is coming off a career season, where he averaged 21.7 points, shooting 47.0% from the field and 38.0% from behind the arc through 58 games.
The Pistons currently have enough cap space to pursue a higher-profile player in a potential trade. With Antetokounmpo’s departure from the Bucks, the league’s next top trade targets are Jaylen Brown and Kawhi Leonard, neither of whom is part of the Pistons’ plans.
After opting into the final year of his $49 million player option with the Sacramento Kings, Zach LaVine could be on the move. However, a source told The Detroit News that they “don’t see” the Pistons pursuing the two-time All-Star guard.
Unlike last summer, the Pistons’ roster could be significantly different by the start of next season. As he considers various scenarios, Langdon is adamant about maintaining the team’s flexibility as it builds for future years. The Pistons aim to acquire players who can help the team build on their 60-win season and get closer to bringing the Larry O’Brien Trophy back to the Motor City.
coty.davis@detroitnews.com
@cotydavis_24
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Pistons could have big decisions to make as NBA free agency nears
Reporting by Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
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By Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
