Pistons Notebook: Dennis Schroder’s Future, Draft Outlook, Free Agency

Schroder played consistent rotation minutes after being acquired at the trade deadline, stepping in after Jaden Ivey suffered a fractured fibula in January. With Ivey expected to be fully healthy by training camp — and Detroit prioritizing a new deal for sixth man Malik Beasley — Schroder’s fit going forward remains in question, per Keith Langlois of Pistons.com. His market value may exceed the role Detroit envisions for him.

Still, the Pistons know that a veteran floor general has value, especially for a team trying to blend youth with rising expectations. Whether that value matches what Schroder seeks in free agency is another matter.

Draft Direction

The Pistons will enter June’s draft with the No. 37 overall pick, having conveyed their first-round selection to Minnesota to complete a prior obligation. And according to The Athletic’s Hunter Patterson, Detroit seems content to stay put.

Patterson wrote in his latest mailbag that the front office is unlikely to trade into the first round, instead favoring roster flexibility and maintaining cap space. The Pistons could have their eyes on opposing big men — as Naz Reid and Santi Aldama are both mentioned as potential targets in free agency.

Prioritizing Continuity

Detroit Free Press reporter Omari Sankofa II echoed a similar theme. And that would not be to expect wild swings. Detroit’s offseason success, Sankofa wrote, will be measured more by retaining key contributors and making prudent decisions on extensions, not by splashy acquisitions.

Beasley, Schroder, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Paul Reed are all candidates to return, depending on price and fit. As for Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren, both eligible for rookie extensions, the Pistons may wait until restricted free agency in 2026 to make long-term decisions.

Message from the Top

Team owner Tom Gores posted an open letter to Pistons fans this week, expressing appreciation for the team’s late-season push and reiterating his belief in head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and new lead executive Trajan Langdon.

“I promise our urgency will not stop,” Gores wrote. “Our players and coaching staff are focused on continuing our positive momentum. Trajan and his team will act with urgency to strengthen our roster.”

A rare public note from Gores, but a clear one. The Pistons believe they’ve turned a corner, and they’re not looking back.