Additional Moves
Following those moves, this is how the Pistons’ depth chart could look in 2026-27:
Cade Cunningham, Daniss Jenkins, Marcus Sasser
Meleek Thomas, Keon Ellis, Chaz Lanier
Ausar Thompson, Ron Holland, Javonte Green
Rui Hachimura, Duncan Robinson, Tolu Smith
Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart, Paul Reed
If their offseason was to shake out like this, they would undoubtedly be in a better position than they were just in. Huerter will have been replaced by Ellis, a better defender who has been more consistent from 3, though not more prolific. Hachimura supplants Harris in the starting lineup, providing the first unit with better reliability. However, Harris doesn’t return, his leadership and experience not outweighing Holland’s defensive excellence or Robinson’s effective 3-ball.
Players under two-way contracts could include the likes of Wilkerson and Atwell, who could very well outplay those deals.
The kicker is that even after all of that, the Pistons could still attempt a trade for Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen, Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. or New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III. Detroit’s been linked to them for months and where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire. If they were to prioritize one, it wouldn’t come down to affordability, as both the Jazz and Pelicans are revving to price gouge. However, Murphy is a more fluid athlete and needs a little less help creating offense for himself. He also has more defensive upside.
If the Pistons are unable to sign Hachimura, they could become desperate enough to mortgage their future in an effort to seize the day. To that point, not only would they likely have to give up a starter for one of those forwards but draft picks as well. Thus, it might be wiser to target a player like Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson. With the Nuggets looking to avoid the tax, Detroit’s non-guaranteed contracts and team options have appeal.
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