The Detroit Pistons added Dennis Schroder at the trade deadline last season, a move that helped push them into the playoffs, and they could do something similar at next year’s deadline with one of several power forward options.
The Pistons have little depth at power forward behind Tobias Harris, who is on an expiring deal heading into next season. The Pistons will have to start looking for his replacement and could get a head start by trading for one at the deadline.
That’s a long time from now, and we have no idea how next season will play out for any of these teams, but there are some interesting names on the cusp of free agency in 2026 who could be available if the Pistons are looking for an impact addition for a playoff run.
Jarace Walker
It’s difficult to guess what the Pacers will look like next season after Tyrese Haliburton’s unfortunate injury and the loss of Myles Turner in free agency.
The latter was a stunner, as Turner wanted to stay, but the Pacers were reportedly unwilling to meet his contract demands.
The Pacers may be taking a gap year, so it’s hard to predict what will happen with Jarace Walker, who averaged six points and three rebounds per game last season in 75 appearances playing around 15 minutes per game. He shot 40 percent from 3-point range on low volume.
The Pacers have until the end of October to pick up his team option, so it will be interesting to see what happens with Walker, who could be inexpensive depth for the Pistons.
Pascal Siakam
Hmmmmm. Siakam won't be a 2026 free agent, but you do have to wonder what Indiana is going to do here.
Are the notoriously money-tight Pacers really going to pay Siakam $45 million to play in a gap year? I don’t know if the Pistons would want any part of his contract, but Siakam has proven himself to be a big-time performer.
Something to monitor.
Tari Eason
Another player I’ve always liked who will suddenly be fighting for minutes on a stacked Houston team.
He’ll be a restricted free agent unless the Rockets extend him, which will be tough given their already large financial commitments.
Eason would fit the culture and is on the same timeline as the rest of Detroit’s core.
PJ Washington
Washington is a tough defender who can play both big man spots and spread the floor, which is the type of player the Pistons could use.
He’s on an expiring contract heading into next season, but Dallas is trying to win, and he’s a big part of that. But if the Mavs underperform in the tough Western Conference, Washington could end up traded, in which case he’d fit perfectly into the Pistons’ recently acquired trade exception.