The conclusion of the NBA regular season is days away, which has ramifications for playoff and non-playoff teams. For playoff teams, April 12 is the last day they can add players to solidify their rosters for the postseason.

Why The Pistons Promoted Tolu Smith and What His Addition Means Going Forward

With Isaiah Stewart dealing with a calf injury, the  Detroit Pistons decided to promote Tolu Smith III from his two-way deal to provide depth up front. According to  ESPN’s Shams Charania, Smith received a two-year minimum deal.

“The Detroit Pistons are signing two-way center Tolu Smith to a two-year deal, agent Corey Marcum of EZ Sports Group tells ESPN,” Charania tweeted.

Smith has only appeared in 13 games with the Pistons this year, averaging 3.9 points and 3.5 rebounds. But Smith was productive in his two most recent outings. In these two games, the 6-11 big man produced 12 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block over 31 minutes against Oklahoma City and Orlando. He has scored in double figures once and grabbed a season-high 14 boards against the LA Clippers in January.

Smith, who averaged a double-double with the G-League Motor City Cruise, is a rebounding machine with a high motor. The 25-year-old physical defender is limited offensively, though he gives the Pistons another vertical threat who finishes well at the rim. He is also a solid passer and a quality rim protector, though he fouls too much.

By moving Smith to the 15-man roster, he is now eligible to appear in the postseason. But don’t expect Smith to see much action in the postseason as long as everyone is healthy. Smith projects to be seventh on the Pistons frontcourt depth chart.

Detroit released Bobi Klintman to make room for Smith. Klintman, the No. 37 pick in 2024, has spent most of the last two years with Motor City. He appeared in 20 games with the Pistons overall, compiling 1.9 points and 1.3 rebounds over 113 career minutes. The Pistons acquired him and Wendell Moore Jr. in a four-team deal on July 6. 2024.

Isaiah Stewart and Cade Cunningham have been upgraded to questionable for Wednesday’s game.

The Pistons, who have clinched the Eastern Conference’s top seed, have the No. 2-ranked frontcourt. However, the Pistons could potentially need extra big bodies if Stewart’s calf injury lingers and Jalen Duren gets into foul trouble against teams such as Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Orlando.

Speaking of Stewart, he has sat out the last 13 games. He has been upgraded to questionable for the Pistons game against Milwaukee on Wednesday. If cleared against the Bucks, the 24-year-old figures to be on a minutes restriction.

As good news about Stewart’s progress is, even better is that Cade Cunningham is also questionable for tomorrow’s contest, per Underdog NBA. Cunningham suffered a collapsed left lung on March 17 against Washington and was expected to miss the rest of the regular season.  But the update means he is ahead of schedule.

Cunningham is now considered day-to-day. If Cunningham gets the green light, he will also likely be on a minutes restriction due to his starting the last 11 contests.

What Does Smith’s Signing Mean for 2026-27

Smith’s deal gives Detroit 12 players under contract for next year, but his deal is nonguaranteed. The Pistons project to have about $20 million in cap space. The Pistons will need a starting power forward, as Tobias Harris doesn’t figure to be back. He is an unrestricted free agent, especially at anywhere near the $26 million a year he is currently making.

Also, expect Duren, a restricted free agent, to eat up a good portion of the cap room. He is eligible for a five-year, $239 contract with the Pistons as it stands now, with the possibility that the number could increase.

The Pistons will also likely look to add depth in the backcourt with an emphasis on shooting. The Pistons have their own first-round pick, with the option of swapping with Minnesota, and Charlotte’s second-round pick in 2026.

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