There have been multiple credible reports connecting the Detroit Pistons to Tyler Herro, and acquiring him would certainly qualify as the kind of impactful move the franchise needs though that’s only true if the asking price doesn’t get out of hand.
The clearest pathway to Detroit landing Herro appears to be as part of a larger Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, with the Pistons funneling additional young talent and draft picks to Milwaukee to help facilitate the deal.
I’ve come across plenty of speculative trade scenarios floating around, and while I do think Herro fits well as a secondary scoring option, many of those proposed frameworks have Detroit parting with far too much to bring him in.
Some of those offers have the Pistons emptying out nearly all of their movable trade chips, which would mean packaging Isaiah Stewart, Ron Holland II, and the 21st overall selection in the 2026 draft.
It’s worth remembering that Herro only appeared in 33 games last season and is playing on an expiring contract, so it might be wise to temper some of those trade proposals Detroit is only going to pull the trigger if the valuation makes sense for them.
Detroit is operating from a position of options and leverage.
If Milwaukee and Miami end up needing a third team to absorb Herro in order to finalize the Giannis deal, then the Pistons should hold significant negotiating power to dictate favorable terms.
Trajan Langdon ought to take a firm stance here and be fully prepared to step away from the table, especially since there are alternative paths available Detroit doesn’t have to force a deal for Herro, who brings clear talent but also carries legitimate concerns regarding durability and defensive limitations.
The Pistons are under no obligation to surrender every asset they have for Herro, and if that becomes the demand, they’d be better off walking, because he alone doesn’t elevate them to their ultimate goal so they need to preserve enough flexibility to address other roster needs afterward.
They also can’t afford to forfeit what might be their final genuine opportunity to inject talent through the NBA Draft.
Detroit needs to maintain a steady developmental pipeline.
Recent indications suggest Milwaukee may have their sights set on Ron Holland II in any deal, which isn’t hard to understand given his youth and long-term upside.
At the same time, I’ve seen other reports pointing to the Bucks being more focused on the Pistons’ pick in tomorrow’s draft.
One of those assets feels reasonable to part with for Herro, but Detroit cannot afford to give up both.
If they do end up including Holland which I’d hope they try to avoid if possible then the 21st pick shouldn’t be on the table, and Milwaukee would have to accept a future first-rounder instead, since this is likely the highest selection Detroit will have for the next several years (assuming positive development).
The Pistons have to keep a consistent influx of young talent coming through the system, so surrendering both their 20-year-old project wing AND this year’s draft choice should be the absolute red line they refuse to cross.
Fans are understandably hungry for roster upgrades, but that eagerness shouldn’t translate into giving away legitimate assets for an injury-prone player who’s nearing free agency. They can’t empty the cupboard for a short-term rental, so expect Trajan Langdon to either negotiate a balanced agreement or pivot to a different target entirely.
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