Pistons Guarantee Paul Reed’s 2026/27 Salary

As a result of the move, Reed will now be assured of receiving the full $5,602,689 owed to him in the final year of his current contract. It’s essentially a formality for the Pistons, who were already expected to give the 27-year-old an expanded role this fall after trading away big man Isaiah Stewart earlier in the offseason.

Reed appeared in 65 regular season games for Detroit last season, making 11 starts and averaging 7.8 points and 4.5 rebounds in 13.9 minutes per contest.

Although he wasn’t initially part of the rotation in the postseason, Reed earned regular minutes in the team’s second-round series vs. Cleveland as Jalen Duren and Stewart struggled and was excellent in his part-time role. The sixth-year center averaged 11.4 PPG and 5.0 RPG in 13.0 MPG in five playoff appearances vs. Cleveland, making 24-of-34 shots from the floor (70.6%). The Pistons had a +10.5 net rating in those 65 minutes despite ultimately losing the series.

Duren, the last restricted free agent who remains unsigned, will likely re-sign with the Pistons sooner or later and reclaim his starting role, but Reed projects to be his primary backup in 2026/27. Free agent addition John Collins could also see a little time at center, though he’ll be deployed mostly at the four. Tolu Smith will be in the frontcourt mix in Detroit as well.

Reed remains on track to reach unrestricted free agency in 2027. The Pistons won’t have the ability to sign him to a contract extension before then but will control his full Bird rights if he finishes the season with the club.