The 2026 NBA Draft has come and gone, and for the Detroit Pistons, the front office now turns its full attention to the free-agent market. Supporters are eager to see the franchise land a legitimate sidekick to pair with Cade Cunningham. Detroit made just one pick in this year’s draft, using it to trade up in the first round and secure Stanford guard Ebuka Okorie, bolstering their backcourt rotation.
On Wednesday evening, the Pistons made a significant move by trading Isaiah Stewart widely considered the emotional anchor of the locker room to the Memphis Grizzlies. In return, Detroit received three future second-round selections. That transaction frees up additional salary-cap space, giving the team more financial flexibility to pursue a running mate for Cunningham.
Where Detroit Might Turn in Free Agency
Even with Okorie now in the fold, the Pistons could continue looking for backcourt help, especially after missing out on Austin Reaves and Tyler Herro. According to ESPN insiders Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst, Chicago’s Coby White and Miami’s Norman Powell have surfaced as possible targets for Detroit.
Should the Pistons bring in another guard or swing a larger deal perhaps for New Orleans forward Trey Murphy III, who is reportedly drawing significant interest one current member of Detroit’s roster could be on his way out. That player appears to be guard Daniss Jenkins.
Jenkins’ Role and Rising Value
Jenkins’ breakout season was a bright spot for a Pistons team that finished 60–22 and secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference. After appearing in just seven games during his first year with the organization, Jenkins saw his role expand dramatically this past season. He suited up for 72 regular-season contests and played in all 14 postseason games, contributing more than nine points per night.
With Stewart already dealt, Jenkins could be the next player moved in a trade. The Pistons already have solid depth at his position, and additional acquisitions would only push him further down the rotation. Jenkins proved his worth during Cunningham’s absence due to a collapsed lung, stepping up with multiple 20-point outings as a starter. That kind of production makes him an appealing trade asset, particularly for a team like New Orleans, which is known to be asking for a significant return in any deal involving Murphy.
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