The Detroit Pistons are a team on the rise.With a need to improve and capitalize on this window of opportunity, the Pistons could look to bolster their roster strength with some key signings in the free agency market.
In the history of their team, the Detroit Pistons have made a big turn.
They qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2019 after earning the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.
Sadly, this was short-lived, as they lost 4-2 to the New York Knicks in the first round of the playoffs, ending their postseason run. However, the team’s first postseason victory since 2008 made the season a testament to its development and potential.
With a young core led by Cade Cunningham and ample cap space, the Pistons are poised to make strategic moves in the 2025 free agency to bolster their roster.
Hunter Patterson of The Athletic discussed the Pistons’ plans in advance of the NBA Draft and offered several possible targets. According to Patterson, Detroit might think about acquiring Santi Aldama of the Memphis Grizzlies and Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves when they become available in the summer.
Naz Reid has garnered a lot of attention over the last two seasons. After being named the Sixth Man Of The Year last season, Reid only improved upon his performance with the Timberwolves.
Reid holds a $15 million player option for the upcoming season, which, given his performance, is dramatically undervalued. In this context, it is anticipated that he will decline this option to explore free agency, seeking a contract that reflects and meets the current demand for him.
During the regular season, the Wolves forward had an incredible run and became a vital member of the club. He averaged 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while playing 80 games in the 2024–25 season. His shooting percentages were 46.2% from the field and 37.9% from three-point range.
He is a perfect fit for contemporary NBA offenses because of his size and ability to stretch the floor. Because of his shooting ability, opponents are forced to stretch, giving wings and guards more driving lanes. He can also compete in the post on both the offensive and defensive ends because to his size and strength.
With the Pistons, Reid would have an opportunity to develop in ways that may not have been available to him. Playing on a team led by Cade Cunningham opens up a lot of avenues for versatile big men. His ability to shoot the long ball also makes for an ideal pair next to Pistons center Jalen Duren, a more classic paint presence.
Santi Aldama Shows Immense Two-Way Potential
As a Memphis Grizzlies player, Santi Aldama has emerged as a star. Aldama has steadily developed since proving himself as a dependable player in his sophomore year, and he is now a vital member of the Grizzlies’ rotation.
The Spanish forward averaged 12.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists during the 2024–25 campaign, with shooting percentages of 48.3% and 36.8% from outside the arc. Despite his lack of shooting ability in the past, he still uses the three-point shot effectively enough to keep opponents honest and alert.
Aldama’s versatility and athleticism allow him to play both forward positions. Defensively, his length and mobility enable him to guard multiple positions, fitting well into switch-heavy defensive schemes.
24-year-old boasts ever-improving two-way capabilities that would bolster the Pistons’ wing defense and add another shooter to the lineup. His versatility while guarding opponents aligns with the team’s defensive philosophy, and his offensive flexibility would allow for creative lineup configurations.
He might not be the team’s best starter, but he would be a great addition to the bench rotation. Aldama would do well to join the Pistons, who have indicated an interest in re-signing some of its key players in free agency.
However, removing the forward from the Grizzlies is the difficult part. Memphis, being a restricted free agent, will have the ability to match any offer sheet that Aldama accepts.
There is a chance, though, that they won’t match a competitive offer given the important acquisitions the team could need to make in the summer. Consequently, clubs like the Pistons can target Aldama.Detroit appeared ready to regain its prominence during the 2024–25 season.
Following a number of frustrating seasons spent at the basement of the Eastern Conference, the Pistons appear poised to compete with some of the league’s top clubs.Additionally, Detroit may aim to make a deep playoff run as early as the following season if the appropriate players are added in the summer.