The Detroit Pistons have navigated unexpected turbulence to turn in a strong 2025 offseason. Detroit addressed the Malik Beasley void by signing Duncan Robinson, bolstered its second unit by bringing in Caris LeVert, and drafted 3-and-D guard in Chaz Lanier, cousin of former Pistons great Bob Lanier.
With free agency nearing its informal end, Detroit has a chance to make one last splash that could immediately simplify the game for Cade Cunningham.
The open market remains home to some surprising names, with both talent and experience seemingly leaning in their favor. Arguably the best guard among them is a former division rival and multi-time NBA award-winner.
That, of course, is former Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon—the perfect target for the Pistons to sign at the veteran minimum.
Brogdon, 32, has played just 63 games over the past two seasons. That may very well explain why he's still available in free agency. For as valid as concerns over his injury history may be, however, the talent level and experience that he brings to the table can't be overlooked.
If the Pistons can find a way to sign Brogdon for the minimum, they'd be adding the bridge player they're missing and could thus ensure 2025-26 will be a rewarding season.
Malcom Brogdon would be a dream signing for the veteran minimum
An argument could be made that the Pistons have a crowded backcourt with Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, LeVert, and Marcus Sasser already in play. The forward spots also leave minimal room for LeVert to be bumped up a position, with the likes of Tobias Harris, Ron Holland II, Duncan Robinson, and Ausar Thompson.
What Brogdon brings to the table shouldn't be downplayed, however, especially as the Pistons search for ways to surround Cunningham with players who complement his skill set.
Brogdon is a career 38.8 percent three-point shooter who has buried at least 40.4 percent of his attempts in four of his nine NBA seasons. The Pistons, meanwhile, ranked in the bottom half of the NBA in three-point field goal percentage in 2024-25.
Adding a top-tier sharpshooter in Robinson should help, but considering he's effectively replacing Beasley, it's less of a general improvement and more of a lateral move.
Furthermore, the Pistons ranked No. 25 in drives per game during the 2024-25 season. They were among the most effective teams at scoring via drives, but the burden of doing so was placed disproportionately on Cunningham's shoulders.
Ivey would argue otherwise at 9.8 drives per game, but the only other Detroit player who averaged more than 4.3 was Dennis Schröder—who signed with the Sacramento Kings.
Brogdon, meanwhile, ranks among the most effective dribble-penetrators in the NBA—due in no small part to his off-ball movement and advanced utilization of screens to create driving angles. He shot 48.8 percent on 11.8 drives per game in 2024-25 and shot 49.0 percent on 12.3 drives per contest in 2023-24.
Brogdon also shot 49.3 percent on 11.4 drives per game on a Boston Celtics team that reached the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, in case sample size is a concern.
Malcolm Brogdon provides on and off-ball value
As an efficient shooter and prolific penetrating scorer, Brogdon can work both with and without the ball in his hands. He's steadily in motion on the offensive end of the floor, allowing shots to be created for him and capitalizing with impressive consistency when they are.
Brogdon is also a crafty ball handler who knows how to create space, play the angles, and finish with either hand, whether uncontested or in traffic.
Furthermore, Brogdon is a more than capable playmaker who can alleviate some of the facilitating burden from Cunningham. He boasts career averages of 4.7 assists per game and 5.8 assists per 36 minutes, all the while committing just 2.1 turnovers per 36.
Considering Cunningham averaged 20.8 field goal attempts and 9.1 assists per game in 2024-25, and Ivey was second on the team at 4.0 dimes per contest, Brogdon would be a welcome addition.
Whether he's driving the lane, creating for others, or working without the ball for catch-and-shoot opportunities, Brogdon offers a little bit of everything. That includes 43 games of postseason experience and strong defensive instincts, even if he isn't the athlete he used to be.
The backcourt is admittedly crowded, but by signing Brogdon, the Pistons could give Cunningham the relief he needs and may otherwise lack in 2025-26.