The Detroit Pistons have made a strategic move to address their three-point shooting needs, potentially ending their pursuit of former All-Star Tyler Herro in the process.
The Pistons acquired sharpshooter Isaiah Joe from the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday in exchange for two second-round picks . Joe, who turns 27 next week, is coming off a career-best season where he averaged 11.1 points and shot 42.3% from three-point range . The move addresses one of Detroit’s most pressing needs—the Pistons ranked 28th in the league in three-pointers made last season .
Impact on Herro Interest
According to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Joe acquisition now makes it “less likely” the Pistons will aggressively pursue other shooting guards like Tyler Herro and Norman Powell . Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported that “sources say that the Pistons’ acquisition of Joe now makes it less likely that they will pursue other targets on their list of guards known for shooting prowess” .
This development comes after weeks of speculation linking Detroit to Herro, who was sent from the Miami Heat to the Milwaukee Bucks in the blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo deal . The Pistons had previously been mentioned as a potential third-team facilitator in that trade, with reports suggesting players like Isaiah Stewart, Duncan Robinson, and Ron Holland could have been moved to acquire the 2025 All-Star .
Why Detroit Made the Move
The Pistons’ front office, led by president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon, opted for a cost-effective solution rather than pursuing a more expensive blockbuster trade. Joe has two years remaining on his contract with a team option for 2027-28, providing stability without hampering future flexibility . His $11.3 million salary can be absorbed using a trade exception generated from the Isaiah Stewart deal .
“Acquiring Joe aligns with the Pistons’ goal of upgrading their roster this summer,” a source told The Detroit News. “They addressed a significant need while keeping the cost manageable” .
The Thunder, meanwhile, made the move for financial reasons, shedding salary to reduce their luxury tax burden . According to ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks, the Joe trade combined with the earlier Aaron Wiggins deal—will save Oklahoma City approximately $216 million in salary and luxury tax .
Joe’s Fit with Detroit
The 6-foot-4 guard brings elite shooting credentials to the Pistons. Over four seasons with the Thunder, Joe shot 41.5% from three-point range, ranking among the best in the NBA for players with his volume . He has shot better than 40% from deep in each of the past four seasons .
Joe was also part of Oklahoma City’s 2025 NBA Championship run, bringing valuable postseason experience to a young Pistons core that was eliminated in the second round last season . With Detroit coming off a 60-win regular season, the front office believes the addition of a reliable shooter off the bench could help close the gap on Eastern Conference contenders .
What This Means Going Forward
While the Pistons haven’t completely closed the door on adding another star, Langdon has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining financial flexibility . The Herro and Powell pursuits now appear increasingly unlikely as Detroit shifts focus to integrating Joe into a roster already featuring Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, and Ausar Thompson .
The Bucks have reportedly indicated willingness to take trade calls for Herro before the 2026-27 season begins, but Detroit’s acquisition of Joe suggests they’re satisfied with their shooting upgrade . As Stein and Fischer noted, “Joe’s arrival would have ripple effects on Norman Powell’s unrestricted free agency as well as the follow-up trade market for soon-to-be-Buck Tyler Herro” .
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