Last offseason, the Detroit Pistons hit reset, adding experienced veterans to a roster that desperately needed direction. The moves sparked mixed reactions. Some praised the front office for finally investing in proven talent, while others wished they’d swung for bigger names. In the end, the results spoke for themselves.
Tobias Harris , Malik Beasley , Tim Hardaway Jr. , and Paul Reed helped fuel a historic turnaround—the Pistons won 44 games, a 30-win jump that marked the most significant single-season improvement in NBA history. Though they bowed out to the Knicks in six games, the Pistons found an identity. Now, they’re hoping lightning strikes twice.
With Beasley and Hardaway Jr. gone, the Pistons retooled again, bringing in new faces and drawing familiar skepticism. Did they make the right moves? Let’s grade the 2025 Pistons’ free agency.
Pistons Free Agency Grade Revealed: Smart Moves or Setbacks?
Tough Losses or Smart Long-Term Play?
Entering free agency, the Pistons faced the real possibility of losing four key contributors: Beasley, Hardaway Jr., mid-season acquisition Dennis Schröder , and Reed. After a season that saw the Pistons take a massive leap forward, many fans hoped the front office would run it back with the same core.
Beasley was reportedly in line for an extension before off-court issues surfaced, causing the team to walk away. Schröder expressed interest in returning, but the return of Jaden Ivey —combined with his price tag—made the fit less appealing. Hardaway Jr. became expendable after the Pistons drafted sharpshooter Chaz Lanier with the 37th overall pick.
Grade: B
Paul Reed Stays Put
Some fans felt the Pistons could have aimed higher than bringing back fan favorite Reed. But, effort and energy can’t be overstated—especially on this Pistons team. And that’s precisely what Reed brings every time he steps on the floor.
They brought Reed back on a two-year, $11 million deal, with the second year non-guaranteed . It’s a low-risk contract for a player who provides insurance behind Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart , while also offering defensive versatility, hustle, and sporadic offense when the team needs it.
Reed won’t light up the box score, but his motor, rebounding, and willingness to do the dirty work make him a valuable depth piece—especially in a frontcourt rotation that has had its share of injury concerns.
Grade: B
Meet the New Pistons: Free Agency Grade and What They Bring
When the Pistons brought in Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson to replace Beasley and Hardaway Jr., reactions were mixed. Some questioned whether the team had downgraded—on paper, it looked like they swapped proven scorers for more role-oriented players. But dig a little deeper, and these moves look like smart, strategic upgrades.
LeVert gives the Pistons a versatile wing who can defend multiple positions, create his shot, and handle secondary playmaking duties. He also reunites with coach J.B. Bickerstaff, under whom he thrived during his most consistent stretch as a Cleveland Cavalier. That familiarity could unlock the best version of his game.
Robinson will draw natural comparisons to Beasley as a shooter, and while Beasley was more dynamic in terms of range and edge, Robinson offers more nuance. He’s a knockdown shooter, yes, but he’s also shown the ability to put the ball on the floor, drive closeouts, and make plays. His contract is also more team-friendly, giving the Pistons an easy out if the fit doesn’t work. Individually, these aren’t flashy signings. But together, they add versatility, skill, and balance to this team.
Grade: A-
The Last Word
The Detroit Pistons didn’t chase headlines this offseason—they made calculated moves to build on last year’s momentum. Swapping out scorers for smarter, more versatile pieces and retaining key role players shows a front office focused on sustainable growth, not short-term hype. It may not excite everyone on paper, but the roster is deeper, more balanced, and better prepared for a playoff push. Overall, the Pistons grade out quite well for their free agency.
Overall Grade: B+
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