Detroit Pistons Linked to Fan-Favorite Free Agent

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By JH Kubicek | Last updated May 16, 2025 6:50 AM ET

The Detroit Pistons, around Cade Cunningham, are aiming to be a title frontrunner in a weak Eastern Conference as soon as next season. With the Cleveland Cavaliers suffering an early injury, the Boston Celtics devastated by Jayson Tatum's injury, and the New York Knicks having limited flexibility moving forward, being a frontrunner is not a crazy expectation.

This summer, the Pistons will have to contend with Malik Beasley, Tim Haraway Jr., Paul Reed, Lindy Waters III, and Dennis Schroder all being free agents. Detroit will likely use its ample cap space to round out its roster, and adding a quality third-string center could be a priority.

While Steven Adams is far from a star, he has positively impacted every team he has played for, and can provide minutes, rebounding, and defense off the bench.

Detroit wouldn’t need much out of Adams, as he’d be the third big man in the rotation behind Duren and Stewart, but Adams is still a rebounding machine and a bigger body than any current Piston," wrote The Athletic's Hunter Patterson. "He would likely be an inexpensive signing, but he’d add to the experience the veterans on Detroit’s roster bring. Adams showed he still has more basketball left in him against the Warriors, so he’s worth at least considering."

Adams averaged 3.9 points and, impressively, 5.6 rebounds for the Houston Rockets this season. He shined in the postseason despite losing in the first round to the Golden State Warriors, and the Pistons could use his veteran presence in a young frontcourt.

Adams would slot into the depth chart behind Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart, and based on his track record, would happily accept a lesser role in the name of team success.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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