What’s Next for the Pistons? Free Agency Options, Norman Powell, and a Changing NBA Landscape
As the Detroit Pistons look ahead to the offseason, new President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon will have some important decisions to make. Much of that evaluation will come after the playoffs, where Detroit’s performance could shape how aggressive-or conservative-the front office decides to be in free agency.
And while the Pistons have built a promising young core, there’s a clear need if they want to take the next step: scoring. Specifically, consistent, veteran scoring. That’s where a player like Norman Powell comes into the conversation.
Let’s be clear-this upcoming free agent class isn’t exactly overflowing with game-changers. In fact, it’s one of the thinner groups in recent memory.
Many of the big names, like Trae Young and Zach LaVine, are sitting on player options tied to massive contracts. It’s hard to see them leaving that kind of guaranteed money on the table.
Then there’s the aging star tier-LeBron James, Khris Middleton, Kristaps Porzingis-talented players whose best days may be behind them, especially given recent injury histories. With the NBA’s new tax rules tightening the financial flexibility of many teams, we’re seeing fewer franchises willing to go all-in on splashy free agent signings.
The New Free Agency Reality
The league has shifted. Players are increasingly bypassing free agency altogether, opting instead to engineer trades to their preferred destinations and sign extensions before ever hitting the open market. The days of the prime-time, unrestricted free agent chase are fading fast.
That reality will shape how the Pistons approach this summer. With Jalen Duren due for a significant raise and long-term planning underway for young talents like Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland II, Detroit’s cap sheet is going to tighten quickly. That makes any potential free agent signing more of a surgical addition than a blockbuster splash.
Norman Powell: A Fit with Caveats
Still, if there’s one name that stands out among the available unrestricted free agents, it’s Norman Powell.
Powell has quietly been one of the most consistent scorers in the league. This season, he’s putting up over 23 points per game while shooting an efficient 47% from the field, 40% from three, and 84% from the line. That kind of production-especially with that level of efficiency-would be a seamless fit next to Cade Cunningham, giving Detroit a second reliable option who can create his own shot and hit from deep.
Had the Pistons made a move for Powell at the trade deadline, it would’ve sent a clear message about their intent to compete now. Instead, they opted for a more cost-effective move in acquiring Kevin Huerter, a player with upside but not quite the same scoring punch.
Looking ahead, Powell will hit unrestricted free agency this summer. On paper, he checks a lot of boxes for Detroit. But there are complications.
First, he’ll be 33 years old next season. Signing a player in his 30s to a long-term deal always carries risk, and Langdon has been wisely cautious about handing out multi-year contracts to veterans past their prime. Unless Powell is willing to sign a shorter-term deal-something in the neighborhood of what Tobias Harris might command-it’s tough to see Detroit jumping into a bidding war.
And make no mistake, there will be a market. With so few reliable scorers available, Powell’s phone will be ringing. A three- or four-year deal isn’t out of the question, and that’s the kind of commitment the Pistons should be wary of, especially as they try to maintain flexibility around their young core.
Where Do the Pistons Go from Here?
If Detroit makes a deep playoff run-say, to the Eastern Conference Finals or beyond-Langdon might feel the roster is close enough to stay the course. But if they come up short, the front office will be looking for ways to elevate the team without compromising the long-term plan.
That likely means targeting efficient, veteran scorers who can complement Cunningham without stalling the development of the team’s young talent. Powell fits that mold, but the price and years will matter.
Bottom line: don’t expect the Pistons to make a major free agent splash this summer. Not because they don’t want to improve, but because the market just doesn’t offer the kind of value that aligns with their timeline and cap strategy. A player like Norman Powell would help-no question-but only at the right number, and on the right terms.
Langdon’s job this offseason isn’t about chasing names. It’s about making smart, calculated moves that build on what Detroit’s already started.
The foundation is solid. Now it’s about finding the right pieces to complete the puzzle.