The Detroit Pistons just made a move that helps them now and leaves a veteran shooter in a weird spot.
Detroit shipped two future second-round picks to Oklahoma City for Isaiah Joe, a career 40-percent-plus 3-point shooter who quietly ranks among the NBA’s most productive deep threats. Joe has knocked down 681 threes over four seasons, the 25th most in the league. That’s not a fluke. That’s production the Pistons desperately needed after getting bounced in the second round by Cleveland.
But here’s where it gets interesting. According to ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel, the Joe deal has shifted the spotlight onto Duncan Robinson. The veteran sharpshooter suddenly looks like the odd man out in Detroit’s backcourt picture.
Why Robinson’s contract matters now
Robinson’s contract is built for flexibility. Only $2 million of his current salary is guaranteed if the Pistons decide to waive him, and his 2027-28 salary is fully non-guaranteed. That essentially gives Detroit about $14 million in extra cap space to play with this summer, per Siegel.
And the Pistons have plans for that money. They’re reportedly angling to pursue Norman Powell in free agency, along with other perimeter scorers. Joe fills one shooting need. Robinson’s expiring-ish deal could fund the next one.
Detroit finished 60-22 this past season and snagged the No. 1 seed in the East. They looked legit until the Cavaliers ended their run in the second round. The front office knows the window is open. Adding Joe was step one. Clearing space for another impact guard might be step two.
Robinson has been a reliable floor-spacer for years, but the NBA doesn’t pay sentimental value. If the Pistons can turn his contract into cap relief and a player like Powell, they’ll do it without losing sleep.
Nothing is official yet. Detroit could hold onto Robinson and run a deeper rotation. But the writing’s on the wall. The team just traded for a younger, cheaper version of the same skill set. And they’re not done shopping.
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