Jason Burgos
On Sunday, the best season the Detroit Pistons have had in two decades came to a frustrating end in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Despite battling back from a second straight series deficit and taking a 3-2 lead in their best-of-seven against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit had its doors blown off at home en route to a destructive Game 7 loss.
As frustrating as the end to their 60-win season was, the Pistons have a nice young core and will be a force in the East for years to come. However, if they want to be taken seriously as a title contender next season, they must make some bold moves to improve the roster this summer.
If they can re-sign restricted free agent All-Star Jalen Duren to a new deal that isn’t anywhere close to max money, they must then target more offensive punch to give defenses more to worry about, besides top star Cade Cunningham.
Be it a superstar, an All-Star, or an impact role player, here are 10 players the Pistons should target this offseason.
CJ McCollum
The Atlanta Hawks found out how valuable greybeard CJ McCollum can be after trading for him during the season. He emerged as a team leader and strong secondary scorer. During the playoffs, he became the go-to scorer when Jalen Johnson buckled under the postseason pressure.
The Pistons don’t need him to be a top scorer, but the 34-year-old can be perfect as just another option behind Cunningham, and he should come at a reasonable rate in free agency.
Anfernee Simons
The Pistons need more offensive punch from their bench or next to Cunningham in the backcourt. Another interesting option would be Portland Trail Blazers veteran Anfernee Simons. While he bounced around a bit this past season, the 26-year-old is a player who has averaged over 20 points a game twice during his career and is a legit three-point threat.
Since his value is lower than it was a couple of years ago, Detroit might get him at a very affordable rate in free agency.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
There is no doubt that the Pistons will be linked to the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade chase this offseason. If healthy, the combination of Cunningham and the two-time NBA MVP could be a big problem for every other team in the East. And Detroit certainly could make a good trade offer.
However, the big question is whether Trajan Langdon would mortgage their future for such a bold move on an aging player who has developed real injury concerns?
Norman Powell
Eleven-year NBA veteran Norman Powell has quietly emerged as one of the better scoring forwards in the game after a pair of seasons averaging over 21 points a game. The first-time All-Star is a free agent and is sure to land a nice pay increase this summer.
Powell would be a notable upgrade over Tobias Harris and give Detroit a No. 2 scoring option that rivals must respect without giving up draft assets in a trade.
Michael Porter Jr.
Michael Porter Jr. had a career year in his seventh season in the league. As the No. 1 option for the Brooklyn Nets, he posted 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.1 steals a night. Staying healthy has always been the forward’s biggest issue, but he is still only 27 and is on an expiring contract.
While he won’t come cheap and might be a rental, the trio of Cunningham, Duren, and Porter can be a Finals contender next season.
Coby White
If Langdon wants to build a deep roster around Cunningham and Duren, another free agent to keep an eye on is Chicago Bulls veteran Coby White. He is an impact scorer off the bench or in the starting lineup after averaging 15.4 PPG over his seven-year career. He is only 26, should come at a reasonable rate, and would be a very nice veteran addition this offseason.
Trey Murphy III
When casual fans think of the New Orleans Pelicans, they assume Zion Williamson is their top star. However, because of his injury woes, Trey Murphy III has emerged as the No. 1 scoring option in NOLA. But he has not been good enough to bring them out of the bottom of the standings, which is why the Pelicans might consider a trade this summer as they continue their rebuild.
While he might cost at least two first-round picks in a trade, if Langdon wants to go forward with the combo of Cunningham and Duren, the 25-year-old Murphy III could be the third piece to a title-contending core the next few years.
Ja Morant
If the Detroit Pistons are willing to be risky, two-time All-Star Ja Morant could be had without giving up any meaningful draft picks. That is just how low his value has fallen due to his trouble staying healthy the last few years and his trouble off the court in that time.
However, if any player could benefit from a change of scenery and get back to their elite ways, it would be Morant. If Detroit can get the 26-year-old healthy and focused, Morant could help create the best backcourt in the NBA with Cunningham.
Peyton Watson
Denver Nuggets veteran Peyton Watson is going to draw a lot of interest in free agency this summer. The 23-year-old had a breakthrough season in 2025-26 as he posted just under 15 points and five boards a night while shooting 41% from three.
If Langdon is looking for a third building block that can grow with Cunningham and Duren, Watson will be at the top of his free agent wish list.
Domantas Sabonis
A sleeper target for the Pistons this summer could be three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis. The Sacramento Kings could not find a trade for him before the trade deadline and are sure to shop him again this summer. While he is owed a ton of money and coming off a meniscus tear, the cost probably won’t be anywhere near what it was a couple of seasons ago.
The combo of Sabonis and Duren in the front court for a couple of seasons, as they dominate on the boards, would be an approach that East rivals would have a tough time matching up with.
