Why Coby White May Not Be the Answer for the Pistons
As the NBA trade rumor mill heats up, Coby White has emerged as a potential target for the Detroit Pistons. On paper, it’s the kind of move that could add scoring punch to a struggling roster. But when you dig a little deeper, the fit becomes far less convincing - especially when you consider the Pistons' identity and long-term strategy.
Let’s start with what White brings to the table. Offensively, he’s a dynamic shot creator.
He can get buckets off the dribble, stretch the floor when his shot is falling, and has shown flashes of being a legitimate offensive weapon. Last season, he averaged 20 points per game with solid efficiency - the kind of production that makes teams take notice.
But this season, things have taken a step back. White’s scoring is down to 18 points per game, and more concerning is the dip in his three-point shooting.
He’s hitting just 31.5% from deep, a noticeable drop that impacts his spacing value. For a team like Detroit, already short on consistent perimeter threats, that’s not a great sign.
Then there’s the defensive side of the ball - where the real red flags start to show. Defense has never been White’s strong suit, and that’s putting it mildly.
Over the years, he’s struggled to stay in front of quicker guards, often getting caught out of position or failing to provide much resistance at the point of attack. That’s a problem for any team, but especially for the Pistons, who have made it clear they value effort and toughness on the defensive end.
This is a front office that’s been deliberate about building a roster with defensive-minded players. Just look at how they've handled their own young guards - guys like Marcus Sasser and rookie Daniss Jenkins, who may not have the same offensive upside as White but have been more reliable on defense and are shooting the ball better this season. If White were to land in Detroit, he could find himself in a crowded backcourt rotation - and not necessarily at the top of it.
There’s also the contract situation to consider. White is in the final year of his deal and reportedly eyeing a big payday this summer.
Before the season, there was buzz that he might seek something in the ballpark of Josh Giddey’s four-year, $100 million extension. That’s a hefty price tag for a player who’s still trying to prove he can be a consistent two-way contributor.
And for the Pistons, who would only be getting a half-season look at White before having to make a long-term decision, it’s a risky proposition.
Detroit’s front office hasn’t exactly been aggressive when it comes to trades or extensions lately. They passed on early deals for Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren, opting instead to stay patient and let their young core develop. That cautious approach makes it hard to imagine them rolling the dice on White - especially when his addition could complicate both the short-term rotation and long-term cap flexibility.
At the end of the day, while Coby White has talent, his current trajectory and contract situation make him a questionable fit for a Pistons team that’s trying to build a culture around defense, development, and stability. Unless something changes dramatically - either in his play or Detroit’s outlook - this feels like a move that’s unlikely to materialize. And honestly, that might be for the best.