Detroit Pistons Have Bold Offseason Plan to Build Around Cade Cunningham

Turner is set to become an unrestricted free agent following the expiration of his $19.9 million annual contract with the Pacers. The 10-year veteran is coming off one of his most efficient seasons yet, averaging 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting a career-best 39.6% from three-point range across 72 games.

While Detroit’s reported interest is firm, the likelihood of Turner leaving Indiana remains unclear. The Pacers’ ownership will need to increase spending and potentially re-enter the luxury tax to retain its core group, including Turner.

The longtime Pacers big man has publicly acknowledged his deep connection to the franchise and the city of Indianapolis, which could signal a return to Indiana in free agency. Any pursuit by Detroit would likely hinge on a significant offer or a sign-and-trade should Turner decide to explore new opportunities.

Naz Reid Seeking Starting Role?

Naz Reid is expected to opt out of his $15 million player option for 2025–26, entering free agency after a breakout season that saw him average career highs of 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 80 games. Reid earned 2024 NBA Sixth Man of the Year honors and has since stated he views himself as a full-time starter moving forward.

“I 100 percent consider myself a starter,” Reid said after Minnesota’s playoff exit, though he didn’t rule out returning in a bench role.

The Timberwolves’ cap constraints and other roster priorities may complicate their ability to retain Reid if he seeks a larger role and a higher salary. Per ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Reid would need to exit via sign-and-trade to earn more than his player option with any team besides the Brooklyn Nets.

Detroit presents a logical suitor, offering potential starting minutes alongside Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart in a reshaped frontcourt. While both Duren and Stewart are high-upside players, neither has demonstrated Reid’s offensive versatility or floor-stretching ability.

Detroit Pistons’ Cap Flexibility Could Shape Pursuit

The Pistons are projected to enter free agency with $28.2 million in cap space, not including the expiring contracts of veterans Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Dennis Schröder. With that financial flexibility, Detroit could explore multiple acquisition paths for Turner or Reid, whether through outright signing, use of the mid-level exception, or a sign-and-trade scenario.

Their current frontcourt trio of Duren, Stewart, and Paul Reed lacks a proven stretch option, making either Turner or Reid an attractive upgrade as the team looks to improve on a 2024–25 campaign marked by inconsistency and limited offensive spacing.

While Detroit’s chances of landing either player are far from guaranteed, their proactive approach signals an aggressive offseason strategy aimed at building around their young core with experienced and versatile frontcourt talent.

Whether the Pistons can ultimately convince Turner or Reid to join their rebuild remains to be seen, but they’ve made their intent clear: finding a modern, floor-spacing big is a top priority.