The Detroit Pistons certainly have no reason to keep their heads down. It was a remarkable turnaround for the franchise, going from 14 wins in 2023-24 to 44 in the following year. They became the first team ever to at least triple their win total in a single year. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff had a marvelous year behind the bench in his first year with the team.
Their six-game series loss in the opening round to the New York Knicks saw nearly every game go down to the wire. The Pistons look to be an ascending team, but now have some choices awaiting them with their soon-to-be free agents.
Stay Or Go? Predicting What Happens With Pistons Free Agents
Malik Beasley – Stay
In what was his ninth season, Malik Beasley severely outplayed the one-year, $6 million contract he signed him this offseason. The 28-year-old was the runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year . He also proved to be one of the game’s biggest long-range threats, as his 319 made three-pointers were the second-most in the league.
It seems highly unlikely that Beasley would once again have to settle for a one-year deal. His postgame comments after Game 6 made it clear that he would love to remain with the Pistons.
Detroit Pistons free agent Malik Beasley: “In my whole 9 years in the NBA, I never had as much fun coming to the gym. I’ve been through a lot of stuff just this year alone. Every day coming in was probably the best thing that happened to me. It’s definitely a place I want to be.” pic.twitter.com/hStv80DX2g
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 2, 2025
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Tim Hardaway Jr. – Stay
In the offseason, the Pistons acquired Tim Hardaway Jr. in a deal with the Dallas Mavericks. Detroit made an effort to add more veteran pieces, particularly ones who could be threats from three-point territory, and Hardaway Jr. helped in both aspects.
A 12-year veteran, Hardaway Jr. started all 77 of his regular season appearances (as well as all six postseason games). While his 11.0 scoring average was his lowest in the last nine years, he knocked down 168 three-pointers.
Paul Reed – Leave
Not expected to be a part of the playoff rotation, Paul Reed was forced into action due to Isaiah Stewart ’s injury. The 25-year-old center averaged 10.6 minutes per game over the last five postseason outings.
In what was his fifth season, Reed didn’t have a huge role in the regular season (45 games, 9.7 minutes per contest). He may look for a team where he can get backup minutes at the five and be part of a rotation. If that doesn’t occur, perhaps Detroit brings Reed back on a minimum deal for 2025-26.
Dennis Schroder – Leave
Dennis Schroder joined the Pistons in February, after he was traded to them in what was the second time that he was dealt this season. While his scoring efficiency wasn’t quite up to par (37.8% from the field, 30.2% from three-point range in 28 regular season games), his presence was needed. With Jaden Ivey out, the team lacked reliable ball-handlers behind Cade Cunningham .
That efficiency improved greatly during the playoffs (49.1% field goal shooting, 47.6% on threes). With Ivey set to return next season, perhaps the Pistons decide the 31-year-old Schroder is not as much of a priority. It is hard for Detroit to keep him, Hardaway Jr., and Beasley, but it is also hard to predict which will be the ones to remain with the team.
Photo credit: © Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
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