The NBA's free agency negotiating period, which opened Tuesday night, started slow, but it picked up Wednesday, July 1, when the Lakers made four agreements in a matter of minutes, per national media reports. This after LeBron James said Tuesday he is leaving the Lakers for free agency.
Deals can be agreed to during the NBA moratorium, though most signings cannot take place officially until Monday, July 6, at 12:01 p.m. ET.
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We are waiting to see what happens with Jalen Duren, the Pistons' restricted free agent All-Star center who has lost leverage with cap space dried up elsewhere. It would be a stunner if the 22-year-old didn't end up re-signing in Detroit.
Clippers forward John Collins shoots a free throw against the Pistons during the second half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Jan. 10, 2026. (David Reginek, Imagn Images)John Collins of the Los Angeles Clippers looks to pass the ball during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Jan. 10, 2026. (Mike Mulholland, Getty Images)John Collins defends Paul Reed during the fourth quarter of a Pistons-Clippers game at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Jan. 10, 2026. (Mike Mulholland, Getty Images)Clippers forward John Collins dunks the ball against the Pistons during the second half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Jan. 10, 2026. (David Reginek, Imagn Images)Duncan Robinson of the Detroit Pistons and John Collins of the Los Angeles Clippers reach for a rebound during the fourth quarter at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Jan. 10, 2026. (Mike Mulholland, Getty Images)Clippers forward John Collins defends Pistons forward Ausar Thompson during the second quarter at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Jan. 10, 2026. (David Reginek, Imagn Images)Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson defends LA Clippers forward John Collins during the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. (David Reginek, Imagn Images)Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) makes a pass against Utah Jazz guard Johnny Juzang (33), left, and forward John Collins (20) during the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) makes a layup against Detroit Pistons forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (8), left, and center Jalen Duren (0) during the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) makes a jump shot against Detroit Pistons forward Paul Reed (7) during the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) defends Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) during the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)Utah Jazz forward John Collins dribbles against Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris in the fourth quarter at Little Caesars Arena, Dec. 19, 2024. (Rick Osentoski, Imagn Images)John Collins dunks for the Utah Jazz against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Dec. 21, 2023. (Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23) defends Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) during the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. (Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)Pistons center Isaiah Stewart blocks this dunk attempt by Hawks forward John Collins during the second half of the Pistons' 122-104 loss on Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)Hawks forward John Collins dunks over Pistons center Kelly Olynyk during the second half of the Pistons' 122-104 loss on Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)1 / 16
Meet John Collins, who should bring massive dunks to Detroit Pistons
Clippers forward John Collins shoots a free throw against the Pistons during the second half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Jan. 10, 2026. (David Reginek, Imagn Images)
Meet John Collins, who should bring massive dunks to Detroit Pistons
John Collins of the Los Angeles Clippers looks to pass the ball during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Jan. 10, 2026. (Mike Mulholland, Getty Images)
Meet John Collins, who should bring massive dunks to Detroit Pistons
John Collins defends Paul Reed during the fourth quarter of a Pistons-Clippers game at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Jan. 10, 2026. (Mike Mulholland, Getty Images)
Meet John Collins, who should bring massive dunks to Detroit Pistons
Clippers forward John Collins dunks the ball against the Pistons during the second half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Jan. 10, 2026. (David Reginek, Imagn Images)
Meet John Collins, who should bring massive dunks to Detroit Pistons
Duncan Robinson of the Detroit Pistons and John Collins of the Los Angeles Clippers reach for a rebound during the fourth quarter at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Jan. 10, 2026. (Mike Mulholland, Getty Images)
Meet John Collins, who should bring massive dunks to Detroit Pistons
Clippers forward John Collins defends Pistons forward Ausar Thompson during the second quarter at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Jan. 10, 2026. (David Reginek, Imagn Images)
Meet John Collins, who should bring massive dunks to Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson defends LA Clippers forward John Collins during the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. (David Reginek, Imagn Images)
Meet John Collins, who should bring massive dunks to Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) makes a pass against Utah Jazz guard Johnny Juzang (33), left, and forward John Collins (20) during the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Meet John Collins, who should bring massive dunks to Detroit Pistons
Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) makes a layup against Detroit Pistons forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (8), left, and center Jalen Duren (0) during the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Meet John Collins, who should bring massive dunks to Detroit Pistons
Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) makes a jump shot against Detroit Pistons forward Paul Reed (7) during the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Meet John Collins, who should bring massive dunks to Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) defends Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) during the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Meet John Collins, who should bring massive dunks to Detroit Pistons
Utah Jazz forward John Collins dribbles against Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris in the fourth quarter at Little Caesars Arena, Dec. 19, 2024. (Rick Osentoski, Imagn Images)
Meet John Collins, who should bring massive dunks to Detroit Pistons
John Collins dunks for the Utah Jazz against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Dec. 21, 2023. (Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)
Meet John Collins, who should bring massive dunks to Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23) defends Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) during the first half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. (Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Meet John Collins, who should bring massive dunks to Detroit Pistons
Pistons center Isaiah Stewart blocks this dunk attempt by Hawks forward John Collins during the second half of the Pistons' 122-104 loss on Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Meet John Collins, who should bring massive dunks to Detroit Pistons
Hawks forward John Collins dunks over Pistons center Kelly Olynyk during the second half of the Pistons' 122-104 loss on Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Here are the latest Pistons rumors and NBA news in free agency.
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Ex-Piston Andre Drummond heads to New York Knicks in free agency
Welcome to the NBA champions, Andre Drummond.
Drummond, who spent eight seasons with the Pistons, played in 63 games with the Philadelphia 76ers last year and made 25 starts for the oft-injured Joel Embiid.
Now he's heading to the Knicks to play for the defending champs after they lost Mitchell Robinson to the Celtics.
Jaylen Brown traded to Philadelphia 76ers from Celtics
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) makes a layup against Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart (28) during the second half at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
And then there was ONE team in on Jaylen Brown: The 76ers. The Celtics star is headed to Philly – which, you might remember, passed on him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft in favor of Ben Simmons – in a shocking blockbuster trade, per ESPN's Shams Charania. The Sixers are sending 36-year-old Paul George plus two first-round picks and two second-rounders for Brown, a 29-year-old five-time All-Star.
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The Sixers two months ago rallied from a 3-1 series lead as the No. 7 seed to end the No. 2 seed Celtics' storybook season in the first round. Therefore, Game 7 was the last game Brown, the 2024 Finals MVP, played for Boston. Brown's contract has a cap hit of $57 million next season, $61 million in 2027-28 and $65 million in 2028-29. George's contract is one year less with cap hits of $54 million next season and a $56.6 million player option in 2027-28. He'll be picking that one up.
Jaylen Brown rumors: 8-10 teams in on Celtics star
Shams Charania reported Wednesday sources tell him the Celtics "are strongly shopping" Brown, the 2024 Finals MVP, and are soliciting offers in a market with 8-10 teams. They're seeking a package of players and picks, and have asked some teams for as many as four first-round picks. It's unknown if the Pistons are engaged in the discussion.
Brown, 29, has not requested a trade, this is the Celtics actively seeking a trade, Charania reiterated. Brown has a cap hit of $57 million next season, $61 million in 2027-28 and $65 million in 2028-29. Boston currently is the sportsbook betting favorite to win the Eastern Conference.
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ESPN's Bobby Marks said to watch the Portland Trail Blazers in the Brown trade market. The Blazers have a glut of five guards after acquiring Ja Morant and have five tradeable firsts.
Harris was a critical player for the top-seeded Pistons last season, averaging 13.3 points per game over 63 games in his second stint with Detroit. There appeared to be mutual interest in a reunion for the Pistons and Harris after the season ended, but was not room on the roster for Harris once the Pistons agreed with free agent forward John Collins on a three-year deal.
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Kelly Oubre to sign with Pacers
Per ESPN's Shams Charania, the Indiana Pacers are signing forward Kelly Oubre to a two-year, close-to $17 million deal. Oubre has played the past three seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 14.1 points per game over 50 games last season.
There are no teams with big-money cap space to make the Pistons sweat over a Jalen Duren contract. The Lakers are done after acquiring center Walker Kessler among four moves in succession Wednesday.
NBA cap expert Yossi Gozlan says the Pistons have $38 million in space below the luxury tax line to re-sign Duren. They could create more space by moving other players on the roster.
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Duren, 22, has been aiming to leverage teams to sign him to as much as the four-year, $177 million max contract offer sheet worth 25% of the cap and orchestrate a sign-and-trade, since there was a gulf in offers between what he wants and what the Pistons were willing to give him. He reportedly met with the Lakers and Sacramento Kings on Tuesday. The Pistons can offer him as much as five years and $287 million, 30% of the cap after his third-team All-NBA season. If the Pistons offered him a five-year deal at $38 million per year, the contract would total $190 million.
Per Chris Haynes, the Pistons will not waive shooting guard Duncan Robinson.
There was speculation after the John Collins agreement that the Pistons might waive Robinson, but it appears president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon can make both fit within the salary cap constraints.
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The Collins deal will be a sign-and-trade, Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reports. The Clippers will create a trade exception. "I’m told Detroit wasn’t willing to offer Tobias Harris more than one guaranteed season, either," Fischer wrote.
Jalen Duren market affected by Walker Kessler trade
Another longshot potential suitor for Duren, the Boston Celtics, pivoted at the same time to sign New York center Mitchell Robinson.
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Remember, Duren needs the Pistons to play ball for him to go elsewhere – and the Pistons have repeatedly signaled no interest in doing so. Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon might end up winning this poker standoff with Duren's camp. They can match any offer sheet, though the teams with cap space able to sign him even close to the max offer of $177 million over four years are currently believed to be ... no one? The Nets agreed to a reported two-year, $19 million contract with Orlando's Moe Wagner, the one team left with significant space.
The Sacramento Kings do not have the cap space to sign Duren to the deal he wants.
Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes to Lakers
The Lakers just agreed to add four new players in succession in a wild Wednesday onslaught in free agency. Their spending power is finished.
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Mamukelashvili, who scored 11.2 points per game and 4.9 rebounds in 80 games (13 starts) with the Raptors last season, will sign a four-year, $52 million deal with the Lakers, with a player option for the fourth season, Shams Charania reports.
"Mamu" gives the Lakers a 3-point threat as a power forward/center, having shot 38.9% on 3.7 3-point attempts per game in 2025-26. The 27-year-old was the No. 54 overall pick in the 2021 draft out of Seton Hall.
Grimes, a 26-year-old two-way wing and former Piston, will sign a four-year contract for $60 million with a player option on the final year, Charania reports.
Sexton, a 27-year-old journeyman scoring guard, will sign a two-year contract for $19 million with a player option for the second year, Charania reports.
The Lakers get restricted free agent Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz, while the Jazz will acquire two unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and two first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030, Shams Charania reports.
Kessler, who turns 25 in July, will sign a four-year, $130 million contract ($32.5 million annual average) with the Lakers, with a player option for the final year. This takes the Lakers out of the running to acquire Pistons center Jalen Duren.
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Mitchell Robinson to sign with Celtics
Free agent center Mitchell Robinson has agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million deal to sign with the Boston Celtics, with a player option for the third season, Shams Charania reports.
Robinson, 28, played a big role as the backup center for the NBA champion Knicks and now goes to a rival in the Atlantic Division and Eastern Conference.
Pistons 'moving on' from Tobias Harris
Source: The Athletic.
Per The Athletic's David Aldridge, the Pistons are "moving on" from forward Tobias Harris after signing free agent forward John Collins to a three-year deal.
"The veteran forward started meetings with five other teams after the negotiating period began last night; those meetings will continue today, according to a league source who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe ongoing deliberations," he writes.
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Harris is an unrestricted free agent and is free to sign with any team. Though both sides expressed mutual interest in a reunion, the 33-year-old veteran will most likely be playing on another team next season.
John Collins singing grade
The Pistons addressed a big need by signing free agent forward John Collins to a $51 million deal. And though his signing likely means the Pistons will be losing a team leader in Tobias Harris, our Pistons insider Omari Sankofa II thinks the younger Collins will make a capable replacement.
Wagner played in 36 games with the Orlando Magic in 2025-26, averaging 6.9 points per game. This likely breaks up the Wagner brothers, with Franz and Moe Wagner having played in Orlando since Franz's rookie season in 2021-22.
Mike Conley Jr. signs deal with Celtics
Per ESPN's Shams Charania, the Boston Celtics have signed point guard Mike Conley Jr. to a one-year deal. The terms of the contract are not yet known.
Conley, 38, is entering his 20th NBA season after appearing in 54 games for the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2025-26. Now coming mostly off the bench, Conley averaged a career-low 18.4 minutes and 4.5 points per game last season.
The 15-year veteran spent the first nine seasons of his career in Orlando, averaging 15.1 points per game in 48 games with the Chicago Bulls and 16 games with the Boston Celtics in 2025-26.
John Collins contract details
John Collins will be joining the Pistons on a three-year, $51 million deal. But by what mechanism?
Our Pistons insider Omari Sankofa II reported that the last two years of Collins' contract are non-guaranteed (similar to the contract shooting guard Duncan Robinson signed last season), meaning Collins may have been acquired through a sign-and-trade. Though it's not guaranteed, the sign-and-trade mechanism for Collins potentially gives the Pistons room to retain Robinson, though it's unclear what route Detroit will take as of yet.
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Norman Powell to Bulls
Per ESPN's Shams Charania, free agent Norman Powell will sign a two-year deal with the Chicago Bulls. Powell, 33, was a rumored target for the Pistons after an All-Star season with the Miami Heat, but they acquired sniper Isaiah Joe in a sign-and-trade and also drafted Ebuka Okorie at No. 17 overall in the draft for more on-ball juice.
Collins, 28, played in 69 games for the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2025-26 season, averaging 13.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. The nine-year veteran potentially fills a big hole at forward for the Pistons, while Charania says the team made Collins its top free agent target this offseason.
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The big question for the Pistons now: does this signing mean that free agent forward Tobias Harris won't be returning to Detroit?
Stein, a longtime NBA reporter, said Tuesday night "the growing anticipation leaguewide is that the Lakers ultimately secure commitments on new contracts" from 76ers guard Quentin Grimes and Raptors big Sandro Mamukelashvili, "while still pursuing their top summer target: Utah restricted free agent Walker Kessler."
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham talks to center Jalen Duren before a play against the Orlando Magic during the first half of Game 1 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
This would take the Lakers out of the Jalen Duren sweepstakes and further dwindle the Pistons' competition to retain their 22-year-old starting center. Remember, Duren needs the Pistons to play ball for him to go elsewhere – and the Pistons have repeatedly signaled no interest in doing so. They can match an offer sheet, though the teams with cap space able to sign him even close to the max offer of $177 million over four years are currently believed to be just the Lakers and Brooklyn Nets. Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon might end up winning this poker standoff with Duren's agent.
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Sam Amick reports Harris "will be visiting with five teams at the start of free agency." He doesn't report which teams those are, but the San Antonio Spurs are expected to be interested in Harris with their MLE. The Pistons are without a power forward right now. The Spurs agreed to a new one-year deal with Harrison Barnes and a new three-year deal with Julian Champagnie, but Harris would give them more size either off the bench or as a part-time starter.
Our Omari Sankofa II explained why James would be a snug fit for the Pistons, with their need for a secondary playmaker beside Cade Cunningham and with no power forward on the roster. The chances of James coming to Detroit seem slim to none, as he has no connections. Golden State, Cleveland, Miami and Minnesota are among the teams expected to pursue James, who reportedly directed his longtime agent, Rich Paul, to take calls to figure out what the offers are. James' camp is seemingly getting the message out that he is more interested in happiness and title contention over money.
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Kawhi Leonard didn't want to go to Pistons
ESPN's Shams Charania confirmed the Pistons were rebuffed by Leonard, as were the Minnesota Timberwolves. Toronto was the lone team the 35-year-old was willing to give a long-term commitment to. He's on an expiring one-year, $50.3 million contract.
Kawhi Leonard trade details with Raptors and Clippers
The Clippers will receive unprotected first-round picks from Toronto in 2031 and 2033 and a first-round pick swap in 2027. They also get second-rounders in 2030 and 2033. The deal has been agreed to, ESPN reports. The Clippers also get Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick.
Detroit Pistons need to add playmaking and shooting this summer, president of basketball ops Trajan Langdon said after the season. Here are 15 players under contract to watch. Age as of Dec. 31, 2026. "Likelihood" rating 1-5, 1 being least likely. Now, the names ...
(Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)
Boston Celtics guard/forward Jaylen Brown. Age: 29. Contract: 3 years, $183 million. Likelihood: 1.
(Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press)
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant. Age: 38. Contract: 2 years, $90 million. Likelihood: 1.
(David Reginek-Imagn Images)
New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III. Age: 26. Contract: 3 years, $87 million. Likelihood: 2.5.
NBA reporter Marc Spears wrote in a tweet that the "Pistons have offered what the franchise believes is the most lucrative contract possible for their All-Star restricted free agent Jalen Duren, are not interested in any sign and trade deals and will match any potential offer sheet he signs."
We know Langdon views Duren as one of their three core players. Since Duren is a restricted free agent, the max he can sign for with another team is $177 million over four years ($44.25 million average annually). The Pistons would then have two days to match the offer sheet, beginning Monday, July 6 at 12:01 p.m. ET. The Lakers have the cap space to offer the 25% max. The Sacramento Kings do not have the cap space.
Kawhi Leonard traded to Raptors from Clippers
Just a few hours before the free agency period began, Kawhi Leonard reportedly will be off to Canada once again. Several reporters indicate the Raptors are nearing a deal to acquire the 35-year-old Leonard, who starred on their 2019 title run, from the Los Angeles Clippers.
According to reports, the Clippers will get: Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, one first-round pick swap and two-second picks.
Leonard is on an expiring $50.3 million contract, but his reported reluctance to re-up outside of Toronto made potential suitors such as the Pistons leery of making a trade for him. NBA reporter Chris Haynes says the sides "will soon engage to structure out the terms on a two-year extension" to keep Leonard in Toronto for the next three seasons.
The Raptors' projected starting lineup will now include Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Leonard and Scottie Barnes. Toronto went 46-36 last season, was the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference and lost in seven games to Cleveland in the first round of the playoffs.
This trade helps the Clippers rebuild, as they don't control their own first-round picks in 2027 (Oklahoma City pick swap), 2028 (unprotected to Philadelphia) or 2029 (pick swap for Philadelphia). LA also owns Indiana's unprotected 2029 first.
The Clippers' roster now is centered on No. 5 overall pick Keaton Wagler, with veterans in Darius Garland and Ingram.
Pistons depth chart entering free agency
Here's the Pistons' depth chart of players under contract entering free agency. For this exercise, we'll assume first-round pick Ebuka Okorie signs his rookie scale deal and second-round pick Ugonna Onyenso is signed to a two-way deal. The Pistons are already at 13 of 15 roster spots filled without accounting for a re-signing of Jalen Duren, which likely signals a trade is coming with at least one of their current players.
Point guards: Cade Cunningham, Daniss Jenkins, Marcus Sasser, Ebuka Okorie.
Off-ball guards: Isaiah Joe, Chaz Lanier.
Wings: Ausar Thompson, Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert, Kevin Huerter, Ron Holland.
James, 41, intends to play in 2026-27, though it is unclear which teams could make a good fit for the future Hall-of-Famer. Golden State, Cleveland and Miami are among the teams expected to pursue James.
A first-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Sasser has played all three of his NBA seasons with the Pistons. However, his playing time has decreased in all three seasons, with Sasser starting 71 games in 2023-24, 57 games in 2024-25 and 38 games in 2025-26. He would carry a $2.9 million cap hit for the upcoming season, per Spotrac.
Sasser has been mostly a bench piece for the Pistons averaging 7.0 points per game in his career. And while his field-goal percentage dipped to 39% in the previous season, he shot 41.5% from 3-point range on nearly three 3-point attempts per game.
Midlevel exception options for Pistons
The NBA's free agency negotiation period begins at 6 p.m. today, with the Pistons likely still having access to a non-taxpayer midlevel exception.
Our Omari Sankofa II takes a look at five free agent targets the Pistons could look at with that exception as Langdon could look to improve the roster on a budget.
Duren averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game on 65% shooting en route to All-NBA third-team honors, qualifying him for a contract worth up to $287 million that starts at 30% of the salary cap with 8% raises.
But the "higher max criteria" only applies to the Pistons – outside teams are capped to a maximum deal starting at up to 25% of the cap with 5% raises over four years, which comes out to $177.4 million total.
A sign-and-trade would allow Duren to get the bigger paycheck, while landing the Pistons some assets as they attempt to improve upon last season's second-round exit from the NBA playoffs.
Kevin Huerter, who joined the Pistons at the trade deadline in a three-team deal with the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves, will reportedly re-sign with Detroit on a three-year, $27 million deal, confirmed by the Free Press' Omari Sankofa II.
Landry Shamet back to the Knicks
You can cross one possible Pistons target off the board. Landry Shamet is going back to the New York Knicks on a four-year, $24 million deal, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.
Shamet would have been an intriguing option for the Pistons' midlevel exception. He hit 39.4% of his 3-pointers on 419 total attempts during his time with the Knicks and was even better in the postseason, going 36-for-76 (47.4%) through 30 playoff games
Ja Morant dealt to Portland
In a move that would have been shocking just a few seasons ago, the Memphis Grizzlies traded embattled star Ja Morant to the Portland Trail Blazers, ESPN's Shams Charania reported. The return will be Jerami Grant and Kris Murray to Memphis.
Morant is a two-time NBA All-Star, but he comes with some off-court baggage. He's been suspended three times for detrimental conduct, twice for displaying a firearm on social media.
The Pistons have picked up their team options for both Daniss Jenkins and Tolu Smith, reports Keith Smith of Spotrac. Jenkins, of course, went from a two-way guard to one of the Pistons' most reliable performers this past postseason. Smith, a center, did not have a large role with the Pistons this past season, but he may be needed more with Isaiah Stewart traded to the Memphis Grizzlies this offseason.
Bradley Beal declines option
Per ESPN's Shams Charania, Los Angeles Clippers guard Bradley Beal has declined his $5.6 million player option for next season. That will make him an unrestricted free agent.
The three-time All-Star played in only six games for the Clippers in the 2025-26 season after undergoing season-ending surgery for a hip fracture in November. He played 53 games in each of his two seasons with the Phoenix Suns from 2023-25.
The 33-year-old shooting guard averaged 17.0 points per game for the Suns in his most recent full season, well short of his career average of 21.4 ppg. It is somewhat of a surprise that Beal declined his option, as the injury-prone star hasn't appeared in more than 60 games in a season since his 2018-19 All-Star campaign with the Washington Wizards.
Warriors' changing of the guard?
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is reportedly declining his $27.7 million player option to become a free agent, but that might not be the biggest move to come. ESPN's Shams Charania dropped the news nugget that the move gives the Warriors flexibility to pursue LeBron James in free agency and Anthony Davis via trade.
Such seismic moves would certainly make Golden State must-watch TV again, if not the favorites to win another NBA title. The Pistons will be glad to be in the Eastern Conference if that super team forms. As for Green? He likely is not a Pistons target given what they need, but it's an interesting thought experiment. However, Green is expected to return to the Warriors.
Malik Beasley indicted for gambling
Former Pistons guard Malik Beasley has been indicted on federal charges for gambling related to a sports betting scheme, such as point shaving and prop bets. The government is reportedly coordinating a voluntary surrender of Beasley this week.
The Pistons during the draft were mentioned as a team to watch on the Kawhi Leonard trade front, should he and the Clippers entertain a parting. Leonard is on a $50.3 million expiring deal. Since then, it was reported Leonard would not be interested in extending with the Pistons, likely taking them out of the pursuit, The Stein Line reported.
Pistons forward Ausar Thompson defends Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard during the first quarter at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026.
On Sunday, the Dallas Mavericks emerged as a favorite to acquire Leonard for a package to include P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson and picks. The Mavs are led by new president Masai Ujiri, who was the Toronto Raptors top executive when they traded for Leonard in 2018 – and won the NBA title the next season. (The Mavs, of course, just hired Michigan's Dusty May as coach.) The Raptors are also in the mix to reclaim Leonard, with Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reporting they have had "real trade conversations this weekend" with Los Angeles.
Pistons' next move in NBA free agency?
Several potential fits for the Pistons have already agreed to new deals with their teams. Austin Reaves re-signed with the Lakers with a potential Pistons max offer looming, Ayo Dosunmu re-signed with the Timberwolves and Coby White re-signed with the Hornets. So who is left?
The Pistons still have a need at power forward, as they lack one on the current roster. They could bring back Tobias Harris, they could swing another trade or do both.
Top free agents who could be a match include Heat guard Norman Powell, Lakers power forward Rui Hachimura, Clippers power forward John Collins and a Lakers forward you've probably heard of ... LeBron James – though the Pistons would probably need to open up cap space to get James, if the league's all-time leading scorer were at all amenable to Detroit.
Trade market buzz includes Celtics wing Jaylen Brown and Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III. Bucks guard Tyler Herro could also be revisited by the Pistons, though Friday's savvy trade for Isaiah Joe helps solve their shooting need.