The Detroit Pistons have fully guaranteed Paul Reed’s $5.6 million salary for the 2026-27 season, according to Jake Fischer. The decision secures Reed’s place in Detroit’s frontcourt after he played a meaningful reserve role during the Pistons’ Eastern Conference-leading regular season.
Reed appeared in 65 games for Detroit in 2025-26, including 11 starts, while averaging 7.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.9 blocks in 13.9 minutes per game. He shot 61.7% from the field and posted a 63.6% effective field-goal percentage, giving the Pistons an efficient interior option behind their primary big-man rotation.
The 27-year-old center also provided activity on the glass, averaging 2.0 offensive rebounds per game despite his limited playing time. His 0.9 blocks and 0.9 steals per game further reflected the defensive activity that has been a consistent part of his role.
Reed’s guarantee comes as Detroit reshapes its frontcourt around Jalen Duren while maintaining the core that produced the best record in the Eastern Conference last season. The Pistons went 60-22 in 2025-26, finishing four games ahead of the Boston Celtics and seven games ahead of the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks.
Duren was a major part of that success, averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in 70 games while shooting 65.0% from the field. He was named an All-Star and earned All-NBA Third Team recognition, but his future remains one of Detroit’s biggest offseason questions.
Duren is eligible for a five-year, $287 million maximum extension and is reportedly seeking more than $40 million annually, while the Pistons have offered approximately $35 million per season over five years. The negotiations were at a standstill as of September 3, creating additional importance around Detroit’s depth at center.
Detroit also lost Isaiah Stewart in the six-team sign-and-trade that brought John Collins to the Pistons. Stewart averaged 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 58 games last season before being sent to Memphis.
The Pistons added Collins on a three-year, $51 million fully guaranteed contract and re-signed Kevin Huerter to a three-year, $27 million deal. They also acquired Isaiah Joe from Oklahoma City for two future second-round picks as they sought additional shooting around Cade Cunningham.
Cunningham led Detroit to the No. 1 seed while averaging 23.9 points and 9.9 assists in 64 games, earning All-NBA First Team honors. With Reed now fully guaranteed and Duren’s extension still unresolved, Detroit has strengthened its frontcourt certainty while keeping its championship-caliber core intact.
