Pistons make free agent splash amid Jalen Duren uncertainty

Pistons, power forward John Collins agree to three-year, $51M contract

Over the past three seasons, Collins has produced 53.8/39.1/80.3 percent shooting splits, making him a genuine floor-spacer for Cunningham, the Pistons' first-team All-NBA point guard. It still comes with questions, with Detroit Free Press Pistons beat writer Omari Sankofa II noting the size of his contract is for more than the mid-level exception, "Meaning they're signing him with cap space or it'll be a sign-and-trade with the Clippers."

Third Apron salary cap analyst Yossi Gozlan shared an updated overview of the Pistons' finances after adding Collins and re-signing shooting guard Kevin Huerter, and noted that the Pistons "have $40 million in luxury tax space to re-sign Jalen Duren, but could create more room."

Earlier this week, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that with Duren and the Pistons remaining at a distance in contract negotiations, the 2025-26 third-team All-NBA center planned to meet with the Sacramento Kings "with the intentions of structuring a sign-&-trade out of Detroit."

Per multiple reports, the Pistons have no interest in parting ways with Duren and plan to match any offer sheet, with other teams able to sign him to a four-year, $177M max contract.

While adding Collins won't impact Detroit's ability to retain Duren, it should exclude it from bringing back forward Tobias Harris, 33, who finished second on the team in scoring (18.1 points per game) during the playoffs. But like Duren, Harris was much less efficient in the playoffs, when he shot 42.5 percent, including 29.2 percent on three-point attempts.

Collins should be an improvement, giving Cunningham a strong outlet at the rim and on corner threes. Per Cleaning The Glass, Collins shot 76 percent on rim attempts and 43 percent on corner threes a season ago.

With the New York Knicks' core remaining largely intact, the Miami Heat acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo and Toronto Raptors reuniting with Kawhi Leonard, the East won't be any easier in 2026-27 for the Pistons, who went 60-22 and finished first atop the conference last season. The Cleveland Cavaliers, who knocked them out of the playoffs in a seven-game conference semifinal series, should be just as formidable and may have a major addition of their own soon incoming.

Standing still while others improved wasn't an option for Detroit. By adding Collins, the Pistons got younger in the front court without sacrificing offensive potential. The front office still has plenty of remaining work this offseason, but Wednesday's signing is a nice start.