Goodbye 2025-2026 Detroit Pistons

Credit (NBA) The Detroit Pistons' nostalgia season has come to an end

In doing end-of-season reviews, the Detroit Pistons were the team you had to root for. They had a Superstar, wings, and a future generation of bad boy Pistons that would make Ben Wallace proud. Coming into the season, most had the Pistons being a good team, yet they overachieved and got the number one overall seed in the East. The Pistons didn't have an easy out; they had to overcome a 3-1 lead to beat Orlando in game 7, and they tried to replicate it. The team came up short against the Cavaliers in the second round. I have three questions for Detroit

---

1. Will they pay Jalen Duren?

Jalen Duren had a breakout season, which lines up in a contract year. He was their second-best player and best big man, so of course, he is getting a max contract. In the world of the second apron, teams have to be flexible with the bag. Also, Duren isn't just the big man with talent; he represents the next generation of being an enforcer, so it feels like a foregone conclusion for the front office to make it happen.

2. What will they do with the roster?

It's interesting for them that they have a chance to get better. Yet obviously, after getting Jalen Duren back, which I think they will. As we all know, they need they still need a second option for Cade Cunningham, so will the team find a way to trade for a non-all-star or even someone close to it? The Pistons have eleven players under center so far, coming back, and so we might see run it back.

3. Future outlook for next season?

The revival of Detroit basketball has been something to watch. Remember, it was only two years ago that they won 14 games. Now the question for the front office is, do they try to speed up the process, like adding a second option through trade? Detroit should proceed with caution that young teams get caught in the win now mentality after some playoff success, yet it does not always work out (Looking at you, Orlando & Houston). Detroit has a talented roster; regardless of what they do in the offseason, they are going to be one of the top teams in the East next season.