As the 2026 NBA free agency period officially commences, the Detroit Pistons have made key decisions on several roster pieces. According to multiple reports, President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon is aggressively reshaping a roster that posted the Eastern Conference’s best regular-season record.
The news comes amid an active period that has seen the Pistons prioritize roster flexibility. While much of the attention has been on restricted free agent Jalen Duren, who is extension-eligible for a five-year deal worth up to $287.1 million after earning All-NBA Third Team honors , reports also clarify the status of another starter.
Veteran sharpshooter Duncan Robinson was a subject of speculation regarding a potential salary-cap-related waiver. Robinson’s contract for the 2026-27 season carries a $15.9 million salary, with only $2 million guaranteed . However, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Pistons will not waive Robinson .
Robinson, who started 77 games for Detroit last season, proved integral to the team’s success, averaging 12.2 points while shooting a sharp 41.0% from three-point range . The starting lineup featuring Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren, Tobias Harris, Robinson, and Ausar Thompson posted a net rating of +10.1 per 100 possessions over 535 minutes . Retaining Robinson signals the organization’s intent to preserve the floor-spacing that helped unlock their offense .
The headline surrounding a decision on a “$47 million starter” likely refers to the team’s calculus regarding Duren, who is eligible for a deal that could begin at roughly $47 million annually, or to the cumulative value decisions being made regarding the starting unit’s composition.
Detroit has executed multiple transactions in recent days to complement its core .
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Pistons have agreed to terms with forward John Collins on a three-year, $51 million deal . Collins is expected to assume a starting role at power forward, providing a veteran presence in the frontcourt. Last season, he averaged 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 55.2% from the field and 40.6% from three .
Additionally, the Pistons have acquired guard Isaiah Joe from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for two second-round picks. Joe, a career 40.6% three-point shooter, is coming off his best season, averaging 11.1 points .
| Player | Transaction | Details |
|---|---|---|
| John Collins | Free Agent Signing | 3 years, $51 million |
| Kevin Huerter | Re-signed | 3 years, $27 million |
| Isaiah Joe | Acquired via Trade | 2 second-round picks |
| Isaiah Stewart | Traded | To Memphis Grizzlies |
| Duncan Robinson | Retained | Contract guaranteed |
The most pressing storyline remains the future of Jalen Duren. Reports from The Athletic indicate that initial extension talks stalled after Duren was underwhelmed by the team’s offer. The 22-year-old center is exploring sign-and-trade scenarios as a potential path out of Detroit, though the Pistons retain the right to match any offer sheet he signs as a restricted free agent .
Detroit currently has approximately $135.5 million committed to 10 players for the upcoming season. This leaves them with roughly $24.5 million in space below the salary cap threshold and significant room before hitting the luxury tax apron . The team also re-signed guard Kevin Huerter to a three-year, $27 million deal and drafted Stanford guard Ebuka Okorie with the No. 17 pick .
The organization’s business is far from finished. Veteran Tobias Harris enters unrestricted free agency, and the team holds decisions on extensions for Ausar Thompson, who is eligible for a deal potentially worth five years and $162 million
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