The Detroit Pistons have to decide what to do with Ron Holland after Ausar Thompson agreed to a five-year, $155 million extension. The roster gets expensive quickly if they can agree to a new deal with Jalen Duren. The Pistons have reportedly offered $190 million (subscription required). The costs matter in the second apron era, but Holland’s lack of shooting makes things even more problematic.
The Pistons have spacing concerns if Thompson and Duren are their second and third-best players behind Cade Cunningham. Both will earn $30-plus million per year and remain core pieces if Duren gets a long-term deal done. The Ausar contract was a steal, but if the Pistons have two non-shooters in the starting five, Holland is left playing a minimal reserve role.
The fifth overall pick in 2024 is an elite defender, but fans haven’t seen the best version yet. He played 19.9 minutes per game last season. Sadly, the Pistons can’t offer more playing time. They can’t play Ausar, Duren, and Holland on the floor together, which leaves Holland as the odd man out.
Pistons have a decision to make on Ron Holland’s contract in 2027
Holland is just one year away from being extension-eligible. The top five pick made $37.4 million in his rookie deal, but will want a handsome raise if he continues to improve. The Pistons had a 5.0 net rating with Holland on the floor last season. They were better with him on the bench, but that is often the life of a reserve wing.
Holland averaged 14.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 2.1 steals, and 0.6 blocks per 36 minutes last season. He struggles to make shots and must improve his offensive game to be a starter on a title contender. Still, there will be interest in a 21-year-old who plays elite defense. Ausar just got paid handsomely with similar offensive questions.
The Pistons cannot extend Holland. They have $94.0 million committed to Cunningham, Thompson, Ebuka Okorie, and Chaz Lanier for the 2028-29 season. Duren will get around $40 million, bringing the total to $134 million of the $184.8 million cap committed to five players. Giving Holland around the mid-level would force Detroit to cut costs elsewhere.
Pistons would be wise to trade Ron Holland after this season
Assuming Holland takes another step forward, the Pistons would be wise to trade him in the 2027 offseason. This puts the pressure on his new team to extend him and avoids any drama. If Detroit extends him to trade him, that could limit the suitors. Some teams may not have the matching salary and could use the new contract as a way to drive down the asking price.
Next offseason, Holland’s $11.4 million salary in the final year of his rookie-scale deal would be all that is on the books. The Pistons could look to save money by trading it for draft capital or target a difference-making role player.
Holland can’t break out on the Pistons. They already invested in Ausar and plan on keeping Duren. Detroit cannot play those three players together. The 21-year-old’s value will be highest as a potential difference-maker in a larger role. If his rookie scale contract is over, teams won’t be as eager to acquire him.
Pistons need to solve floor spacing concerns
Detroit addressed their shooting by adding John Collins, Isaiah Joe, Taurean Prince, and Gary Harris this offseason. Joe should help the second unit if he maintains the 40-plus percent from long range he shot in Oklahoma City.
Still, Detroit cannot play three non-shooters on the same floor. Their offense grinds to a halt with Ausar and Duren sharing the court. They cannot add another subpar option like Holland into those units. The 6’8 wing is limited and can’t play much more than 20 minutes per game because of this issue.
Ron Holland’s future with the Detroit Pistons is uncertain after Ausar Thompson got paid. The franchise committed $30-plus million per year to Thompson as a cornerstone. The Pistons cannot play two non-shooting wings, so this feels like the beginning of the end for Holland’s time in the Motor City. Ausar’s game-changing defense made him a key piece.
Holland hopes to accomplish the same thing, but it will have to be somewhere else. The Pistons should start exploring trades now and look to maximize the former top-five draft pick’s value. Teams will be interested. It is on Detroit to find the right deal that maximizes their roster.
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