Did Detroit Pistons Ace the 2025 NBA Offseason?

The Detroit Pistons are maintaining a patient approach during the 2025 NBA offseason, opting against major moves or investing significant assets to acquire a star player to pair with Cade Cunningham. Instead, they are largely holding still to evaluate their current roster, replicating a strategy that saw them improve from 14 wins to 44 wins the previous season.

Bleacher Report graded the Pistons' offseason performance with a "C," indicating an average showing without significant negatives. The analysis highlighted Caris LeVert as a solid signing, expected to provide secondary playmaking alongside Cunningham and bolster scoring for the second unit. Duncan Robinson was also noted as a premium shooter acquired on a team-friendly contract, with only $2 million guaranteed on the final two years of his $31 million deal.

The offseason did not unfold as planned for the Pistons. Key targets Tim Hardaway Jr., Malik Beasley, and Dennis Schroder all entered free agency. Despite high interest in retaining at least two of them, Hardaway Jr. signed with the Denver Nuggets. Schroder, though expressing interest in returning, secured a better opportunity to start with the Sacramento Kings. Beasley's potential multi-year deal with Detroit was derailed by a gambling investigation that paused his career.

Following these misses, the Pistons pivoted to sign Robinson and LeVert. The organization is confident this combination can fill the voids left by the departing free agents. While not a standout offseason, the under-the-radar approach is viewed as potentially beneficial for keeping the team grounded.