The Detroit Pistons’ acquisition of John Collins is expected to trigger additional moves, leaving both Tobias Harris and Duncan Robinson with uncertain roles in the Motor City.
As Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints notes, Collins’ addition strongly suggests that Harris’ time with Detroit is nearing its end, especially given how pivotal the veteran forward was for the Pistons during their playoff push.
Siegel also indicates that following the Collins signing and with Jalen Duren’s restricted free agency looming, the Pistons are anticipated to part ways with Robinson in the near future.
He further mentions that while Robinson could potentially re-sign with Detroit on a more modest deal, he might also explore opportunities elsewhere.
Harris could exit after elevating his game in the playoffs
Losing Harris would carry weight for Detroit, particularly in light of his postseason surge he put up 18.1 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in the playoffs, up from 13.3 points and 5.1 rebounds during the regular season.
The 33-year-old provided the Pistons with a steady veteran presence, size, floor-spacing, and playoff know-how at the power forward slot.
According to Siegel, Harris now stands as one of the more prominent veteran options on the open market, capable of bolstering a contender with his leadership and reliable outside shooting.
Detroit’s reported three-year, $51 million commitment to Collins gives them another frontcourt piece who fills a similar role but brings added athleticism, rim pressure, and finishing ability alongside Cade Cunningham.
Harris, a 15-year NBA veteran, entered the league in 2011 after a single season at Tennessee, going 19th overall to Charlotte in that year’s draft. ESPN lists his career stops as Milwaukee, Orlando, Detroit, the LA Clippers, Philadelphia, and a second Detroit tenure.
Throughout his career, Harris has built a reputation as a scoring forward capable of manning either forward spot, offering size, and generating offense from the mid-range. Over 1,033 regular-season outings, he has averaged 15.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.
Robinson expected to be let go
Robinson’s case is distinct, with his fate appearing more closely tied to Detroit’s salary-cap maneuvering.
Per Siegel, the Pistons are poised to waive Robinson shortly, as only $2 million of his contract is guaranteed, affording Detroit a clean pathway to create cap room.
Robinson arrived in Detroit as a designated shooter, but the Pistons have since brought in additional perimeter reinforcements this offseason.
The recent trade for Isaiah Joe another elite three-point marksman further diminished Robinson’s security within the rotation and financial structure.
Duncan Robinson carved out an unconventional NBA path, playing his final three collegiate seasons at Michigan, going undrafted in 2018, and subsequently signing with the Miami Heat as a free agent.
He spent seven years in Miami before moving to Detroit in 2025 on a three-year, $48 million sign-and-trade deal that sent Simone Fontecchio to the Heat.
Robinson etched his name in Heat lore as one of the franchise’s premier shooters, departing as Miami’s all-time leader in made three-pointers with 1,202.
During the 2025-26 regular season with Detroit, he posted averages of 12.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, shooting 45.6% from the floor and 41.0% from deep.
For his career, Robinson holds averages of 11.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists across 500 regular-season games, with a lifetime three-point clip of 39.9%.
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