The Detroit Pistons’ recent acquisition of Isaiah Joe appears to have introduced another backcourt dilemma as the team continues reconfiguring its guard rotation heading into the offseason.
ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel reports that veteran marksman Duncan Robinson is now viewed around the league as a player with an uncertain standing following Detroit’s trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder, which sent two future second-round picks in exchange for Joe.
Joe arrives in Detroit having built a reputation over four seasons with the Thunder as one of the NBA’s premier outside shooters.
“Beyond addressing Jalen Duren’s contract situation, the Pistons dealt two future second-round selections to Oklahoma City on Friday to bring in sharpshooter Isaiah Joe,” Siegel wrote.
“For the Thunder, moving Joe was an unfortunate result of financial trimming. He now heads to the Pistons having connected on better than 40 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc in each of his four years in Oklahoma City.”
Siegel also noted Joe’s volume from deep.
“Over that stretch, Joe has knocked down 681 three-pointers, which ranks 25th league-wide.”
Pistons’ addition of Isaiah Joe casts spotlight on Duncan Robinson’s role
While the move clearly bolsters Detroit’s perimeter offense, it may also carry consequences for Robinson.
“Following the trade for a specialist from long range, there’s growing curiosity across the league about whether this paves the way for Duncan Robinson’s exit,” Siegel wrote.
“With Detroit positioning itself to make a run at Norman Powell and other targets in free agency, Robinson’s deal could prove essential in creating the necessary financial room.”
Siegel pointed out that Robinson’s contract offers the Pistons significant optionality. His salary for the 2027-28 campaign is not guaranteed, and only $2 million of his current figure is protected if Detroit decides to release him.
“That would effectively give the Pistons an additional $14 million in cap space to pursue Powell or another addition,” Siegel wrote.
Detroit finds itself at a critical juncture after wrapping up the regular season at 60-22, securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference, and ultimately falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the postseason.
The Pistons have already checked one box by landing Joe, a proven elite threat from three-point range. Yet with the franchise still intent on adding more shooting and offensive creation, Siegel’s reporting indicates that Robinson’s status and salary figure could become increasingly central to the front office’s calculations as it weighs its forthcoming decisions.
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