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2 Pistons have their careers at stake in the playoffs

There is plenty at stake for the future free agents
Feb 19, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12): Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Feb 19, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12): Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Detroit Pistons have two pending free agents in Tobias Harris and Kevin Huerter who are key parts of the rotation heading into the playoffs. 

Harris has been rock solid as a starter for the Pistons, putting up the same steady numbers that he has for his entire career, while Huerter has given Detroit a boost lately with his movement shooting and playmaking. 

Both players will be unrestricted free agents at the end of the season, and their careers could turn based on these playoffs. 

Tobias Harris is playing for a future role and a change in narrative 

Harris has been great for the Pistons as an offensive security blanket and locker room presence who has undoubtedly been a big part of their success. 

His playoff shortcomings are drastically overstated and should cease to be a talking point after he had a solid showing against the Knicks last season.  

Another solid playoff performance would make people forget how things ended in Philly. 

He’s also playing for a future job with the Pistons or someone else. Harris is certain to get work, and I wouldn’t be shocked if one of the young up and coming teams tried to poach him for the same reasons the Pistons did. 

Harris adds consistency and professionalism, which are traits every young team needs. 

I also wouldn’t be surprised to see him back with the Pistons on a smaller deal, as he is still a productive and reliable player, and it would be great to see him end his career in Detroit, even if it’s as a bench player in a smaller role. 

If he has another solid playoffs with the Pistons making a deep run, I expect that option will be on the table, so this postseason is important for Harris. 

Kevin Huerter gets a high-profile tryout 

Huerter is also playing for a future job, and just like Harris, it could be with the Pistons or somewhere else. 

He was a guy who looked to be headed out of the league, or at least to the back of someone’s bench as a minimum player, but he might have done enough with the Pistons to turn some heads. 

If Huerter keeps playing like has been lately, he could make the kind of impact that will boost his free-agent resume. Detroit might be interested in a reunion if he plays well, as they will have some tough calls to make on Duncan Robinson and his partially guaranteed deal, which they may need if they want to make a big trade. 

Even if that doesn’t happen, Huerter will be a free agent option for the Pistons, who will be looking for low-cost shooters to fill out a roster that could see a fair amount of turnover at the back end. 

While their careers may not be on the line, their future paychecks and who is signing them may be, so Tobias Harris and Kevin Huerter hope to shine in the postseason. 

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