Free Agency
After draft season, the Pistons can turn their full attention to their current roster.
Not counting the college prospect(s) they’ll add, there will be 10 players under contract, including Cunningham and Jenkins. Unless they make the foolish choice of re-signing him for that same number, Harris’ $26.6 million contract will mercifully no longer be on their books. However, neither will Duren’s, with the 2022 lottery pick needing to sign a contract extension to remain in Detroit. As Duren’s extension is more or less the focus around the water cooler, there’s no doubt that the Pistons are already trying to make the dollars make sense. Yet, following a disastrous postseason run that put his true value in question, Duren will be negotiating with less leverage than he would have had last month.
Ultimately, Detroit and Duren should be expected to maintain their partnership. Although he let his team down with his performance, it’s too early to give up on the 22-year-old. Ideally, he’ll grow from the experience and continue to fortify his chemistry with Cunningham. Keep in mind that Duren received a team-high 28.8% of his passes from Cunningham. Meanwhile, 11.0% of Cunningham’s passes went to Duren, the fifth-highest mark on the team.
Kevin Huerter, Javonte Green, and Tolu Smith are the Pistons’ other impending free agents. Acquired as part of the Jaden Ivey deal, Huerter had not been living up to his reputation as a marksman until the playoffs. However, he was only able to play one game against Cleveland in the Eastern Conference semifinals due to an adductor strain. As a result, it’s hard to believe Detroit is pressed to bring the 27-year-old back, especially depending on his price and the prospect they draft. On the other hand, Green and Smith are useful or seldom used players that could be convinced to re-sign on minimum contracts.
Priority Signing
So far as the free agent market goes, nothing has changed; the Pistons’ focus should be veteran depth and proven shooters. Armed with the $15 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception and the $5.5 million bi-annual exception, they should be able to acquire two rotation-level pieces. The first order of business should be replacing Harris. Even if he remains on the roster, he can’t remain in the starting lineup. Due to his subpar defense, neither can Duncan Robinson, even though he was one of Detroit’s unsung heroes during the postseason.
Beyond the shadow of a doubt, Los Angeles Lakers impending free agent Rui Hachimura is the top free agent option. He may be outside of their price range after making $17 million in 2025-26. However, he wouldn’t be the first player to leave some money on the table. Given how he was utilized by the Lakers, a more expansive role (such as being an offensive focal point) could be enough to sway him. Having firmly established himself as one of the most efficient playoff shooters in history, he’s exactly who they need to replace Harris.
Even after signing Hachimura, finding another wing that complements Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland will take precedence. It’s too easy to argue that having more floor balance would’ve made Bickerstaff more comfortable putting Holland on the floor. Of course, that player could always be one of the aforementioned undrafted free agents. However, if they use their bi-annual exception, Cavs impending free agents Dean Wade and Keon Ellis are experienced 3-and-D players.
