Tier 3: The Leverage Chips That Could Define The Pistons Offseason
This is where the real tension of the Pistons offseason begins. Jalen Duren is entering restricted free agency, and Detroit suddenly holds one of the more fascinating leverage situations in the league. Duren remains talented, productive and still absurdly young, but his playoff struggles raise uncomfortable questions about how much Detroit should ultimately invest in him long term. Especially offensively. Cleveland starved him of easy looks at the rim, making his weaknesses impossible to ignore.
The financial side only makes the discussion more complicated. Duren’s cap hold projects around $19.4 million, while Harris carries nearly a $40 million cap hold and Huerter sits close to $27 million. Those are enormous numbers sitting on Detroit’s books temporarily. The Pistons have major spending flexibility. That’s why this summer feels so important. Detroit isn’t trapped financially the way many young playoff teams become after paying everybody too early. They still control the board.
That’s also why calling Duren “untouchable” feels premature despite the talent. Detroit has leverage because restricted free agency gives them the ability to match offers while still exploring alternatives. The same applies to their overall cap structure. They can chase another high-level starter, absorb contracts via trade or simply maintain long-term flexibility around Cunningham and Thompson. That’s valuable territory in today’s NBA.
So when fans ask which Pistons are untouchable after that humiliating Game 7 loss, the answer is actually pretty simple. Cunningham and Thompson are the foundation. Everybody else exists somewhere on the negotiation table depending on price, fit and opportunity. And after a Cavaliers blowout in game 7 that exposed almost every crack in the roster, this Pistons offseason is going to be the most important summer this franchise has had in decades.
Credit:© Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
