Pistons targeting stretch-five center this offseason

Jun 9, 2025 5:43 PM

The Detroit Pistons enter the upcoming offseason with several strategic options at their disposal. With the ability to open up close to $17 million in salary cap space, Detroit is well-positioned to make meaningful additions to their roster.

A key area of focus appears to be the center position, where the team is exploring opportunities to bring in a player who can stretch the floor and contribute offensively from beyond the arc.

Among the names that have surfaced in connection with Detroit’s offseason plans are Myles Turner, Naz Reid, and Santi Aldama.

All three players fit the mold of a “stretch five” – a modern big man capable of spacing the floor with shooting range, which aligns with the Pistons’ reported desire to add more versatility to their frontcourt.

Myles Turner, currently an unrestricted free agent, is perhaps the most established of the trio. However, league expectations point to a likely return to the Indiana Pacers, where Turner has been a core piece of their defensive identity.

Unless there is a major shift in negotiations, Turner may be out of reach for Detroit. Naz Reid, meanwhile, has a player option with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Although the consensus around the league is that Reid will likely stay in Minnesota, especially after his breakout season, the Pistons could try to lure him away with a lucrative offer that the Timberwolves might hesitate to match, particularly given their cap considerations.

Santi Aldama presents another intriguing option. As a restricted free agent with the Memphis Grizzlies, his future may hinge on the team’s broader financial picture.

The Grizzlies are reportedly prioritizing a new contract for Jaren Jackson Jr., and retaining both players could push Memphis into luxury tax territory.

If Aldama attracts a substantial offer from a team like Detroit, Memphis may choose not to match, allowing the Pistons a chance to acquire the versatile big man.

Ultimately, Detroit’s cap flexibility provides them with an opportunity to be aggressive in upgrading their roster this offseason, particularly at the center position, where adding a skilled shooter and defender could accelerate their rebuilding efforts.