After the Klay Thompson situation got settled, the multi-time NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan didn’t waste any time picking his next destination in free agency.
While the Detroit Pistons didn’t seem to be heavily pursuing DeRozan this summer, it turns out that they were very much so in the mix. Ultimately, DeRozan is joining the Denver Nuggets.
“Miami, Detroit and Cleveland were the other suitors DeRozan concentrated on throughout his free agency process, the source said. He ultimately was most impressed by Denver’s recruiting effort, which convinced him to make a decision based on fit rather than money,” the Denver Post reported on August 21.
Multiple reports from other outlets relayed the same kind of message on the Detroit front.
The Pistons Miss Out On Another Notable Target
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – APRIL 11: DeMar DeRozan #11 of the Chicago Bulls tries to get a shot off around Evan Fournier #31 of the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Little Caesars Arena on April 11, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
It’s been a rough offseason for the Pistons on the star-hunting front. They were in the market for several players, including Tyler Herro, Austin Reaves, Coby White, and even Kawhi Leonard for a second.
Ultimately, those players chose to avoid the Pistons in some way. Herro didn’t have much of a choice, but he more than embraced a trade to Milwaukee. Reaves and White re-signed where they were already at, while Leonard made it clear that he wasn’t interested in playing for the Pistons.
It seems DeRozan was another player that the Pistons took a liking to, but they won’t end up with the 37-year-old forward.
Did The Pistons Miss Out?
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 17: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball against the San Antonio Spurs at Golden 1 Center on March 17, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
DeRozan has an impressive NBA resume, which flashes six All-Stars, and three All-NBA nods. However, his latest notable accolade, an All-Star appearance, came in 2023.
DeRozan hasn’t been a part of a playoff run since his 2021-2022 season with the Chicago Bulls. It’s unclear what his postseason impact would be at this stage of his career.
Plus, part of the Pistons’ strategy this offseason was hunting for sharpshooters. With over 1,200 games of experience, DeRozan is a 30.2% shooter from deep. Of course, 21.1 points per game proves that he knows how to score, but the fit between DeRozan and Cade Cunningham could be seen as shaky.
The Pistons missed out on plenty of targets this offseason, but they shouldn’t feel too bad about this one. At this stage, Detroit will be eyeing up the buyout and in-season trade market for changes.