The Detroit Pistons’ 2026-27 roster is gradually taking shape, even as the offseason continues to unfold with multiple trades and a lingering hold-up regarding Jalen Duren’s potential extension with the organization.
Despite these significant moves and the important decisions still ahead for general manager Trajan Langdon, there remains time for Detroit to make further additions prior to the start of the upcoming campaign. The Pistons recently saw one of their key veterans, forward Tobias Harris, exit for the Western Conference Champion San Antonio Spurs earlier this offseason.
In response to Harris’s departure, Detroit brought in a younger veteran forward, John Collins, from the Los Angeles Clippers on a three-year deal worth $51 million. Yet even with that acquisition, there is still a particular available veteran whom the Pistons could potentially bring aboard before the season tips off.
The Veteran Detroit Could Target
Following a two-year stint with the underwhelming Sacramento Kings, veteran guard DeMar DeRozan finds himself available on the open market after being waived by the franchise, and he could represent a fitting pickup for the Pistons.
As recently reported by NBA insider Marc Stein, Detroit has been exploring the possibility of pursuing DeRozan. However, they are not alone in their interest other clubs, including the Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat, are also monitoring his situation.
Though DeRozan is no longer in the same form as during his peak years with the Raptors, he continues to display his scoring ability. Over 77 appearances last season with Sacramento a team that finished tied for last place in the Western Conference he averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per contest.
Should the Pistons decide to sign DeRozan, he could slot in at shooting guard alongside Cade Cunningham or serve as the primary scoring option off the bench in the backcourt. Coming off a season where Detroit secured the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference and notched 60 wins, the primary offseason objective has been to bolster the team’s three-point shooting and provide additional scoring threats around Cunningham.
By and large, many would contend that the Pistons have already addressed those needs through trades that brought in Oklahoma City guard Isaiah Joe and Milwaukee Bucks forward Taurean Prince. Still, there is always room for further reinforcement, and DeRozan could serve as that extra complement next to Cunningham for the coming season.
If added to the mix, DeRozan would take on the role of the new veteran presence in a Detroit locker room that has shown significant growth since the franchise’s dismal 14-win campaign just two years ago. It would be intriguing to observe how the group meshes with DeRozan’s veteran influence guiding them.
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