Detroit Made Three Trades and Nobody Is Ready For Their Giant Power Forward Problem

Alright, buckle up, NBA fans, because the Detroit Pistons just had a whirlwind week during the Draft. Three trades, two draft picks, and they brought in Isaiah Joe. But here's the kicker: they still got a MASSIVE hole at power forward. After all that wheeling and dealing, the biggest need on the roster is still wide open, and free agency is literally one day away.

Draft Day Hustle and What's Next for the Cap

The Pistons were busy, no doubt. They sent Isaiah Stewart packing, snagged Ebuka Okorie at No. 17 and Ugonna Onyenso at No. 53, and traded for Isaiah Joe. Now, 2026 NBA free agency kicks off Tuesday, June 30, at 6 p.m. ET. These guys can operate over-the-cap, letting them re-sign multiple free agents. They also have a non-taxpayer $15 million mid-level exception for up to a four-year deal worth $64.7 million. Going the cap space route is less likely, requiring moves like trading Caris LeVert for picks, waiving Duncan Robinson, and renouncing Early Bird rights on Tobias Harris. Jalen Duren, restricted, and Tobias Harris, unrestricted, are their most important free agents. Keeping them is key.

The Kawhi Rollercoaster and Other Big Names

Remember the Kawhi Leonard buzz? The Pistons were mentioned as a team to watch if he and the Clippers parted ways, with Leonard on a $50.3 million expiring deal. But then, *poof*, reports said Leonard wasn't interested in extending with Detroit. That

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dream evaporated faster than a Puget Sound summer day. Now, the Dallas Mavericks are favorites for Kawhi, potentially offering P.J. Washington, Klay Thompson, and picks. The Mavs' new president, Masai Ujiri, traded for Leonard in 2018 for the Raptors, who won a title. The Raptors are also in the mix, with "real trade conversations" this weekend with Los Angeles. Other trade buzz includes Celtics wing Jaylen Brown and Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III. Bucks guard Tyler Herro could be revisited, though Isaiah Joe's arrival helps their shooting needs.

The Power Forward Predicament and Potential Targets

Here's the problem screaming for attention: the Pistons still don't have a power forward on their roster. They made three trades, but this glaring hole remains. It's a head-scratcher. Some potential fits, like Austin Reaves, Ayo Dosunmu, and Coby White, already re-signed elsewhere. So, who's left? They could bring back Tobias Harris, swing another trade, or both. Top free agent options include Rui Hachimura from the Lakers and John Collins from the Clippers. And yes, LeBron James. If the league's all-time leading scorer were amenable to Detroit, the Pistons would need to open up serious cap space. Imagine that, right? So, with free agency hitting us tomorrow, the Pistons have work cut out. That power forward spot is a must-fill, and how they address it will define their early season. Will they bring back Harris? Land a big name? Or pull off another surprise trade? We'll be watching every move.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.