The Detroit Pistons have come back to earth recently, dropping two straight games to fall to 24-8 for the season. Yet, they are still first in the Eastern Conference with a 1.5-game lead over the Knicks and are on pace for 60 wins. The Pistons have firmly established themselves as a contender, and they have to make all of their moves with that reality in mind. This means a good use of the salary cap and surrounding their two stars, Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, with as many well-fitting role players as possible.
Whether that is done in this year's trade deadline or in the 2026 offseason, the Pistons need to make a few upgrades to be a title contender for a long time. Parting ways with a few players who don't fit the team's long-term plans and salary structure will be important in that goal.
With that in mind, here are three Pistons who will likely leave the Motor City soon now that the New Year is here.
1. Duncan Robinson, SF/PF
Duncan Robinson's shooting has been critical for the Pistons all season. Detroit lacks other elite shooters, so Robinson's volume and accuracy from downtown have been a godsend since his offseason acquisition.
At the same time, the 31-year-old forward remains a massive defensive liability. He gets targeted on defense on a nightly basis, creating a hole in the otherwise elite Pistons defense. This could prove to be a problem in the postseason, especially in later rounds.
If he were on a team-friendly contract, Robinson would be worth keeping around as a shooting specialist. But he makes over $16 million this season and has two more partially guaranteed seasons on his deal. The Pistons could use his salary slot on a better fit, like finding a capable two-way power forward. Moving on from Robinson instead of guaranteeing his $15.9 million salary for the 2026-27 season makes a ton of sense for the Pistons.
2. Jaden Ivey, SG/PG
Another player who will be difficult to fit into Detroit's long-term financial structure is Jaden Ivey. Cade Cunningham is already on his max deal, and Duren will require a near-max contract in the offseason. The Pistons will want to extend Ausar Thompson in the offseason and re-sign Tobias Harris. Ivey, who will be a restricted free agent, is a luxury on this team and will be difficult to retain.
Ivey will understandably look for a lucrative, multi-year deal. He could earn that with his play in the second half of the season, but he has had a small role for the Pistons since coming back from his long-term injury absence. Unless he becomes a starter and starts playing 30 minutes per game, it will be hard for the Pistons to justify a contract extension for Ivey in the offseason.
Cunningham and Duren need as many shooters and off-ball players around them. While Ivey is an improved shooter, shooting is still not his strongest suit. He needs the ball in his hands to be his best self, and that skill set will be wasted in Detroit as long as Cunningham is around. It may be better for both sides to move on as a value proposition.
3. Marcus Sasser, PG
The third-year guard has seen his role diminished this season as he hasn't been a part of the rotation. In his first two seasons with Detroit, Marcus Sasser was a decent backup point guard with his pick-and-roll ability and off-the-dribble shooting. Unfortunately, the Pistons now have a crowded backcourt with Cade, Ivey, Caris LeVert, and Daniss Jenkins. This leaves no room for Sasser to show what he can do.
The Pistons have picked up Sasser's fourth-year option earlier in the year, so the 25-year-old will be under contract through the end of the 2026-27 season for $5.1 million. While he has barely played this season, he should have suitors at that number. He still has an intriguing skillset and could turn into a dynamic sixth man elsewhere.
Trading Sasser for a frontcourt player will help balance out the Pistons' rotation and allow him to go to a better situation where he can get more playing time.