Pistons Missed on Austin Reaves. Here’s Why Tyler Herro Just Became Their Top Target.

The Detroit Pistons wanted Austin Reaves. Badly. But the Lakers locked him up on a four-year, $185 million deal before he ever hit the open market, and now Detroit is staring at a thinner list of available scoring guards.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Pistons were one of the teams ready to throw a max-level offer at Reaves. That threat evaporated Wednesday when Los Angeles shut the door. So where does that leave the Pistons? Eyeing the same guy they’ve been linked to for weeks: Tyler Herro.

Herro trade talks are real

NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported that Detroit has legitimate interest in acquiring Herro, and those conversations are already happening. The Milwaukee Bucks—who just landed Herro in the Giannis Antetokounmpo deal—are listening to offers. They aren’t committed to keeping him, Stein and Fischer wrote. The Bucks could hold onto the Milwaukee native, but they’re also open to moving him if the price is right.

The Pistons need a bucket-getter to pair with Cade Cunningham. Detroit’s offense ranked near the bottom of the league last season, and Cunningham can’t do it alone. Herro isn’t a perfect defender, but he’s a proven three-level scorer who can create his own shot. That’s exactly the kind of player Detroit doesn’t have right now.

Norman Powell is a backup option

The Pistons also have interest in Norman Powell, but that’s more complicated. Powell is coming off a strong season with the Clippers and is expected to command a hefty contract. The Heat, his current team, are already stretched thin financially after the Giannis trade. Miami has bigger roster holes to fill and might not have the cash to keep Powell around. Still, Detroit’s interest in Powell suggests they’re casting a wide net for backcourt help.

And here’s the thing about Herro: he’d likely be cheaper to acquire than Reaves would have been. Reaves got a max deal because the Lakers couldn’t afford to lose him. Herro is on a different contract situation. If the Bucks are willing to move him for the right package of picks and young players, Detroit can negotiate without the pressure of a bidding war.

The Pistons missed out on the first prize. But Herro might be the better fit anyway.