As the dust settles on the blockbuster trade that sent two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Miami Heat, the Detroit Pistons have emerged as a significant player in the resulting fallout, with reported interest in acquiring All-Star guard Tyler Herro .
According to multiple reports, the Pistons explored involvement in the three-team trade as a facilitator, aiming to land Herro as a complementary backcourt partner for franchise cornerstone Cade Cunningham . While the finalized deal reportedly sent Herro to the Bucks along with Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks, and a pick swap to Miami in exchange for Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis, sources indicate Detroit’s pursuit may not be over .
The Pistons enter the 2026 offseason with a clear mandate: add shooting and ball-handling around Cade Cunningham . President of basketball operations Trajan Langdon has publicly emphasized these priorities following Detroit’s 60-win regular season and second-round playoff exit .
Herro, a Milwaukee native and 2025 All-Star, directly addresses both needs. The 26-year-old guard averaged 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game last season, shooting 48% from the field and 37.8% from three-point range . For his career, he has maintained a 38.2% three-point percentage while averaging 19.5 points per game .
“He directly addresses their need for shooting and ball-handling,” wrote Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press regarding Herro .
To acquire Herro’s $33 million expiring contract, the Pistons would need to match significant salary. Multiple reports indicate a potential package could include any combination of Isaiah Stewart, Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert, and Ron Holland II, along with draft compensation .
HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported that Detroit was “dangling assets such as Isaiah Stewart, Ron Holland, Duncan Robinson, and draft compensation” in trade discussions . The reported framework would require Detroit to part with multiple rotation players and potentially a first-round pick .
Stewart, 25, averaged 10.0 points and 5.0 rebounds while serving as the team’s emotional leader and defensive anchor . Holland, the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, represents the most significant long-term asset in any potential deal . Robinson, 32, would be the largest shooting loss, having averaged 12.2 points while shooting 41% from three on seven attempts per game .
Despite the strong interest, questions persist about Herro’s availability and durability. He played just 33 games during the 2025-26 season due to injuries, following a 42-game season in 2023-24 . Some sources note this as a concern for a team that values roster stability .
The Bucks, now entering a post-Giannis rebuild, reportedly are willing to listen to trade offers for Herro while also considering keeping the Milwaukee native . This dual approach has kept the Pistons’ hopes alive.
The Eastern Conference underwent a seismic shift with Antetokounmpo landing in Miami, instantly altering the balance of power and challenging defending champion New York . Detroit has made it clear they do not intend to stand still while rivals improve .
Langdon, who has carefully constructed a roster that won 60 games just two years after a 14-win season, has indicated the team is not willing to part with substantial assets to acquire new talent . This balancing act between aggressiveness and preserving optionality will define Detroit’s offseason.
With the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday and free agency beginning June 30, the Pistons have time to craft a deal before the new league year starts July 6 . Whether they ultimately land Herro or pivot to other targets like Norman Powell, Coby White, or Trey Murphy III, one thing is clear: the Pistons are determined to add the offensive firepower needed to take the next step toward championship contention .
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