The Detroit Pistons' big trade deadline splash was trading for Kevin Huerter, and they made that problematic move look worse after agreeing to a new three-year deal worth $27 million with the 6’6 wing. Huerter is known as a sharpshooter, but he has made just 32.4 percent of his last 716 3-point attempts. Detroit failed to address their shooting and playmaking needs in February, which ruined a shot at winning a title. Huerter wasn’t the answer, but that didn’t stop Detroit from signing him long-term.
The Pistons want to build a championship roster around Cade Cunningham. Every dollar counts in the second apron era, and Detroit is about to get significantly more expensive. Jalen Duren needs a new contract, and Ausar Thompson is extension-eligible. They can’t afford to pay $9 million per year to a wing that struggles to make shots and get playoff minutes.
The Pistons acquired a pick swap and moved on from Jaden Ivey in this trade. It wasn’t all bad, but things just got worse as Huerter is now locked in to a baffling multi-year contract.
Pistons keep making Kevin Huerter trade worse
Huerter battled injuries in the playoffs, but played just 9.2 minutes per game. He scored six points in 45 minutes of action. Detroit was the number one seed in the Eastern Conference and wants to win a championship. Signing anyone for more than the minimum that doesn't help them in the playoffs is just confusing.
The Pistons actually moved up from 28th overall to 21st in the 2026 NBA Draft in this trade. Detroit went up to 17 by dealing 21 and three second-round picks to the Grizzlies. Credit to the front office for being bold and filling a need with Ebuka Okorie. That didn’t make up for the failure to address their needs and the lack of production they got from Huerter in the playoffs.
Here is a look at the full details of this trade deadline swap that looks even worse with Huerter locked in to a new three-year contract.
Pistons acquired: Kevin Huerter, Dario Saric, and Karim Lopez
Timberwolves received: Joshua Jefferson and cash
Bulls landed: Jaden Ivey and Mike Conley
This deal was disastrous for the Bulls. Mike Conley was flipped to Charlotte, and Jaden Ivey was waived in March. The Bulls gave up Huerter for virtually free.
The Timberwolves trimmed their salary cap spending to move back a few spots in the draft and get cash.
Detroit was one or two pieces away from winning the East. Instead of making a bold move to address those issues, the Pistons landed Huerter.
They wanted to give the young group a shot to prove themselves, but the franchise clearly needed a second scorer and another creator. Huerter offered neither, and the Pistons were immediately on the ropes in the playoffs. It took them seven games to defeat Orlando in the opening round before falling to Cleveland in the conference semifinals.
For some reason, Huerter is back at $9 million per year. The Pistons traded for Isaiah Joe to help fill the wing minutes, which makes this deal even more confusing. Detroit clearly has faith that Huerter is a plus shooter and will be more impactful in his first full season with the franchise. The 27-year-old should be in his prime, but this was just another miscalculation by Trajan Langdon and the Pistons’ front office.
The Detroit Pistons bafflingly agreed to a three-year extension with Kevin Huerter worth $27 million. They effectively doubled down on a trade that didn’t work and need the 6’6 wing to offer significantly more than he has so far. Expecting the eight-year veteran to improve suddenly seems foolish, and this problematic trade is bordering on disastrous after his extension. The new deal just doesn’t make sense.
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