The Pistons played a large role in the offseason’s biggest trade so far, and it’s a deal that looks like a win for Detroit on paper
For several weeks now, the Detroit Pistons have been tabbed as one of the NBA teams to watch during the offseason since the majority of their recent transactions have pointed to a future, larger deal coming down the pipeline. Pistons Roundtable reported that guard Marcus Sasser was headed to the Dallas Mavericks via trade a couple days ago in addition to the likelihood of stretch four John Collins’ acquisition coming as the result of a sign-and-trade.
Last night, the other shoe finally dropped, and the Pistons were involved in the largest trade so far this summer in terms of sheer volume.
According to Shams Charania, the Pistons were part of a massive six-team deal that will see Detroit parting ways with Caris LeVert, Marcus Sasser and Isaiah Stewart. In the trade, LeVert is heading to the Milwaukee Bucks along with a pair of 2027 second-round draft picks in exchange for Taurean Prince and Gary Harris, which is a move that will save the Pistons roughly $7 million on the books next season.
In addition to LeVert heading to one of Detroit’s Central Division rivals, Sasser is moving on to the Mavs and Stewart will suit up for the Memphis Grizzlies next season, but this major transaction also involves the Washington Wizards, who will be acquiring Khris Middleton by way of sign-and-trade. That mechanism is the same route that the Clippers are using to deal Collins to the Pistons, and the Grizzlies are also picking up AJ Johnson and D’Angelo Russell in the deal. Finally, Dallas will proceed with Santi Aldama and Tarik Biberovic to complete the blockbuster transfer or talent and draft capital (one first-round pick and 10 second-rounders were also moved according to Spotrac’s Keith Smith).
In the aftermath of this trade, the Pistons will now stand at $48 million under the luxury tax, so the organization has more than enough money to re-sign Jalen Duren as a restricted free agent this summer. Detroit will also progress with Prince on the roster as a lethal three-point threat who will give the Pistons another floor spacer on the wing that can knock down long-range shots off the dribble or by way of catch-and-shoot opportunities.
Last season, Prince only logged 26 games with the Bucks due to a herniated disc in his neck that required surgery, but the 6-6 veteran out of Baylor made a rather speedy recovery and rejoined Milwaukee in March to wrap up the regular season. But in the games that Prince did feature in, the new Piston posted a 43.6% shooting rate from downtown on 5.4 attempts per game, so he’s a noted perimeter threat that can fill the bucket in a hurry when he’s switched on.
As a scorer, Prince is well versed in off-ball movement, so he should slot in the rotation as a valuable shooter for Cade Cunningham to find for open looks during the 2026-27 campaign. Though the 11-year pro only averaged 9.2 points per game a year ago, Prince did not possess the luxury of having an All-NBA talent like Cunningham to run his team’s offense, so it would be reasonable to assert that he could boost his numbers if he’s given regular playing time in the Motor City.
As for Harris, the former Michigan State guard played sparingly for the Bucks across 48 games, and it would not be a shock if the Pistons waive him before the season starts.
But in total, this is the type of move that allows the Pistons to add a dangerous three-point shooter and save money from a financial perspective while moving away from LeVert’s $14.8 million contract to help generate a bit more wiggle room for the rest of the offseason.
For more information on the latest Detroit Pistons team or player news, follow @EricJRutter on X for continued basketball coverage, but while you’re here, join Pistons Roundtable for FREE and become a contributing member to our community today. Also be sure to look up Roundtable - Michigan Men Media on Facebook for continued social media coverage of all the sporting teams in the Mitten.
