The Detroit Pistons seem poised to add a star this offseason, although that’s a lot easier said than done.
The Detroit Pistons made the playoffs for the first time since 2019 this season and won their first playoff game since 2008. Cade Cunningham broke out as an All-NBA guard, and their young role players all took a step forward.
With the Eastern Conference weaker than ever, the Pistons should be poised to take another step and compete with the Indiana Pacers for the title of Eastern Conference champion.
However, one thing beyond their control might prevent them from adding marquee talent this summer.
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images2025 NBA free agent class is weak
Yes, LeBron James, Fred VanVleet, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden are all free agents this summer, provided that they don’t pick up their options, although none of those all-time greats will spend the twilight of their careers in Detroit.
Beyond that, the free agent class, especially unrestricted free agents, simply gets weaker. While Detroit could make a play for backup center Naz Reid, who would move the needle, he is expected to be the most popular free agent this summer.
Jonathan Kuminga and Cam Thomas will both be restricted free agents, although the Golden State Warriors and Brooklyn Nets are all but guaranteed to conduct a sign-and-trade with those players if they even leave town, preventing the Pistons from adding them at no cost.
PlayerPPGRPGAPGFG%3PT%Brook Lopez13.05.01.850.9%37.3%Bruce Brown8.34.03.042.1%33.3%Malcolm Brogdon12.73.84.143.3%28.6%Myles Turner15.86.51.548.1%39.6%D’Angelo Russell12.82.85.139.0%31.4%2025 top unrestricted free agents
None of the best unrestricted free agents will necessarily bolster title hopes, they will just add bench depth.
While depth is important, these aren’t exactly the type of players you have a press conference for, and fans won’t be purchasing jerseys.
For a young team on the rise, adding proven talent seems like a must, although Detroit can still improve even without a flashy free agency signing.
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesPistons can improve internally
Tim Hardaway Jr., Dennis Schroder, and Malik Beasley are all free agents this summer, and while all three could be lured from Detroit, the Pistons can offer them enough cash to stay and a sizable role on a title contender.
On top of that, promising youngster Jaden Ivey is expected to return to start the season after playing only 30 games last year. In his limited sample size, he improved his 3-point percentage from 33.6% to 40.9%.
Forwards Ron Holland and Ausar Thompson are both high-level defenders, and with another NBA offseason under their belt, they could take a leap on the offensive side of the ball.
While the Eastern Conference is weaker than it ever has been and adding an established star could get the Pistons over the hump, that doesn’t seem viable, although they could build a longstanding winner if they play their cards right.