The Detroit Pistons have been unable to upgrade the roster in a meaningful way so far this offseason, but they could still have an opportunity to do so.
Six-time NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan was recently waived by the Sacramento Kings, making him a free agent. Perhaps Sacramento’s loss could be Detroit’s gain.
Detroit Pistons Named Top Landing Spot for DeMar DeRozan
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 05: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans at Golden 1 Center on March 05, 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)
Following DeRozan’s departure from Sacramento, the Pistons were named as a top potential landing spot for him by Preston Palm of the Big Lead.
DeRozan is obviously past his prime, but he could still provide the Pistons with another reliable scoring option. He averaged 18.4 points on nearly 50 percent shooting from the floor for Sacramento last season.
“The Pistons have struck out on secondary creators next to Cade Cunningham. Detroit failed to acquire guys like Austin Reaves or Norman Powell and is now limited in options to add more scoring. The Pistons also lost Tobias Harris, who was pivotal in some games as a scorer; DeRozan could fill that void,” Palm wrote.
“DeRozan doesn’t fix the outside shooting problems that Detroit’s offense faced last season, but it does give them another ball handler and someone to carry the offensive burden in the non-Cunningham minutes.”
As a capable perimeter scorer with ample experience, DeRozan will have no shortage of suitors now that he’s a free agent, but he would certainly fit in well in Detroit where he could provide some ancillary scoring around star guard Cade Cunningham. He would also likely be available at a relatively reasonable rate. For those reasons, Detroit should certainly be interested.
DeMar DeRozan Ready for his Next Opportunity
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 15: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings dribbling the ball is guarded by Elijah Harkless #16 of the Utah Jazz in the second half at Golden 1 Center on March 15, 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
DeRozan was well-aware that the 2025-26 season was likely his last in Sacramento. Back in April, DeRozan discussed his NBA future and made it clear that he would be ready for his next opportunity, wherever that was.
“I just try to worry about day by day. Whatever comes next, I’m gonna be ready for whatever it is,” DeRozan said.
“The most important part is still being able to play basketball. To play the game that you love, winning and the love of the game is the only thing that matters for me.”
After 17 seasons in the league, it’ clear that DeRozan still has some gas left in the tank. As a result, he’ll be able to continue his career for at least another season, or two. The question is where.
Detroit Pistons Named Top Landing Spot for Six-Time NBA All-Star