Cade Cunningham’s contract impact on the Detroit Pistons’ salary cap
NBA expert Keith Smith breaks down how Cunningham’s contract affects the Pistons salary sheet. Watch/listen to the entire “The Pistons Pulse” podcast.
The Detroit Pistons have selected Tennessee guard Chaz Lanier in the second round (with the No. 37 pick overall) of the 2025 NBA Draft on Thursday, June 26.
This is the Pistons’ only scheduled selection of the draft, as the team went without a first-round pick as a result of a 2020 trade. The team did not make a transaction during Round 1 of the draft on Wednesday, June 25.
The Pistons are hoping Lanier can help build upon a historic 2024-25 season, one where Detroit more than tripled its win total to make a surprise playoff appearance as the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference.
This is the second draft under team president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon at the helm. He has recently emphasized “optionality” as a guiding principle for roster construction.
Here is the instant reaction from many NBA experts as Detroit made its second-round pick:
NBA experts react to Pistons 2nd-round pick
I’ve had Lanier as the Pistons’ choice at 37 for a bit. Fits an immediate need as one of the top shooters in this class
— Omari Sankofa II (@omarisankofa) June 27, 2025
BREAKING NEWS: The Detroit Pistons have drafted Tennessee G Chaz Lanier with the 37th pick of the NBA Draft
Lanier average 18PPG in 2024 and 19.7 PPG in 2023 while shooting 39.5% and 44% from 3pt range in those seasons
The Pistons add shooting around Cade Cunningham 🔥 pic.twitter.com/118WEgzIRf
— Crunch Time Sports (@officialctpod) June 27, 2025
37. Detroit Pistons – Chaz Lanier
Grade: A
Speaking of great fit and landing spot, surrounding Cade with shooters is an easy recipe for success
And Lanier is a record setting movement shooter who made the most 3s in Tennessee history
Great size with the athleticism and… pic.twitter.com/e80tvl6nLV
— Point Made Basketball (@pointmadebball) June 27, 2025
The Detroit Pistons have selected Chaz Lanier with the No. 37 pick. They will be rostering this pick.
One of the best shooters in this draft, with the ability to come off screens with deep range. Also has good physical tools at 6’5 with a 6’9 wingspan. pic.twitter.com/d2wG1eHU33
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 27, 2025
You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com