The Detroit Pistons are exploring a move for veteran wing Norman Powell as they continue building around All-Star guard Cade Cunningham. According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Detroit intends to add Powell to its list of offseason targets while searching for more shooting and playmaking.
Powell, 33, is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer after completing a productive season with the Miami Heat. The guard is coming off his first All-Star campaign, averaging 21.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 58 games while shooting 47.0% from the field and 38.0% from three-point range.
The Pistons finished the 2025-26 regular season with the Eastern Conference’s best record at 60-22, but their postseason run ended in the conference semifinals after a seven-game series loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Detroit’s next step appears focused on improving the offensive ecosystem around Cunningham, who emerged as the team’s primary creator.
Powell fits the profile of the type of perimeter scorer Detroit has lacked. He attempted 7.1 three-pointers per game last season and connected on 38.0% of those attempts, providing a reliable off-ball threat who can punish defenses for helping against Cunningham.
His offensive production was especially valuable for Miami during a season in which the Heat dealt with major roster changes. Powell led the team in scoring at 21.7 points per game, ahead of Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins, before Miami acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo in a blockbuster trade with Milwaukee.
The Heat sent Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks, a pick swap and a second-round selection to the Bucks for Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis. With Miami’s roster reshaped around Antetokounmpo and Adebayo, Powell’s unrestricted free agency opens the possibility for teams like Detroit to pursue him.
Detroit already has young offensive pieces around Cunningham, but Powell would bring a different element as an experienced shot-maker. His 2025-26 season included 4.5 made free throws per game on 82.7% shooting, showing his ability to create points beyond catch-and-shoot opportunities.
