Pistons Aren’t Cutting Duncan Robinson Despite Reports to the Contrary

The rumor mill had Duncan Robinson on his way out of Detroit. Turns out, that was a bad read.

NBA insider Chris Haynes shut down speculation that the Pistons planned to waive the sharpshooter, posting on X that league sources told him no such move is coming. “Contrary to speculation, the Detroit Pistons will not be waiving marksman Duncan Robinson,” Haynes wrote. It was about as direct a denial as you’ll get from someone who usually hedges with phrases like “could be in play.”

The confusion made sense on the surface. Detroit has been shedding salary this summer, dealing Isaiah Stewart to the Grizzlies and watching Jalen Duren’s name pop up in trade chatter. Tobias Harris is testing free agency, too. When you’re losing that much talent, letting go of one of the few reliable three-point threats on the roster seemed reckless — even for a team still rebuilding.

Robinson had a strong season, especially from deep. At times he was the only guy on the floor who made defenses pay for sagging off. During Detroit’s playoff run — which ended in the second round against Cleveland — he had real moments, hitting timely shots when the offense bogged down. The Pistons desperately need shooting this offseason, and cutting a guy who actually provides it would have been a self-inflicted wound.

Still a Long Way to Go

Keeping Robinson doesn’t fix everything. The Pistons are still a tier or two below actual contention, and the offseason moves so far haven’t closed that gap much. If Duren walks or Harris signs elsewhere, Detroit could enter next season with a thinner roster than last year’s. And that roster wasn’t exactly feared.

Fans should be relieved about Robinson. But there’s plenty to be anxious about in the days ahead. Free agency waits for no one, and the Pistons have decisions to make that will shape whether they take a step forward or just tread water.