The Detroit Pistons appear set to pursue roster upgrades through the trade market rather than free agency this offseason as they look to build on a 60-win campaign that produced the best record in the Eastern Conference.
According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, Detroit is expected to focus on trade additions when addressing its need for more perimeter shooting. The approach is tied to upcoming contract decisions involving Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson, both of whom become eligible for rookie-scale extensions beginning July 6.
Detroit’s front office enters the summer balancing two objectives: improving a roster that reached Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals and preserving long-term financial flexibility. Adding expensive free agents could complicate negotiations with Duren and Thompson, two foundational pieces who are expected to command significant raises if extension talks progress.
The Pistons already possess one of the league’s strongest young cores. Cade Cunningham, who earned First Team All-NBA honors, averaged 23.9 points, 9.9 assists and 5.5 rebounds while leading Detroit to a 60-22 record. Duren emerged as one of the NBA’s most efficient interior scorers, posting 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game while shooting 65.0% from the field and earning an All-Star selection.
Thompson’s value extended beyond the box score. The versatile wing finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting and made the All-Defensive First Team after averaging 9.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.0 steals. His defensive versatility became a major factor in Detroit’s rise from playoff hopeful to conference leader.
While the Pistons finished first in the East, shooting remains an area they could improve. Duncan Robinson provided elite floor spacing, converting 41.0% of his 7.0 three-point attempts per game, but Detroit lacked consistent high-volume shooting elsewhere in the rotation. Tobias Harris shot 36.8% from three-point range, while Cunningham connected on 34.2% of his attempts.
