The Detroit Pistons didn't make the splashy, blockbuster move that some fans were hoping for, but they still did enough to revamp the roster. Despite winning 60 games last season, the Pistons were in desperate need of upgrading their personnel after coming up short in the postseason. As a result, there were a few notable departures and additions.
Some of the departed players will be missed. Isaiah Stewart was a fan favorite, and even though his role was reduced in the playoffs, he provided much-needed toughness, rebounding, and defensive intensity. Pistons fans will always root for Beef Stew.
The same goes for Tobias Harris. In his return to Detroit after six seasons, the veteran forward exceeded all expectations. In his two seasons with the Pistons, Harris provided capable two-way play. His experience and leadership were very useful in Detroit's postseason run. Plenty of Pistons fans wish that they were able to keep Harris for another season.
Some former Pistons who left the team this summer, however, won't be missed as much. At the top of that list is Caris LeVert.
Caris LeVert's departure will be addition by subtraction
The 32-year-old combo guard was signed to a two-year, $29 million contract by the Pistons in the 2025 offseason. He was supposed to be an important part of the rotation, coming off the bench to provide secondary ball-handling, shot creation, and defensive versatility.
LeVert was in JB Bickerstaff's plans all season and played almost 20 minutes per game. But he was never able to make the impact Pistons fans and the organization were hoping for.
The veteran guard had one of his least efficient seasons in the league. He had his lowest usage rate since his rookie campaign while having the highest turnover rate of his career. He averaged career lows across the board and had the worst on/off numbers on the team by a mile. In fact, the Pistons were a whopping 13.8 points per 100 possessions worse with him on the floor than off, per Cleaning the Glass.
Most of this difference came on the offensive side of the ball. This means that there is a real chance that LeVert's absence may be an addition by subtraction.
LeVert became a cap casualty this summer. The Pistons offloaded his contract to the Bucks in exchange for Gary Harris and Taurean Prince.
How much Harris and Prince will contribute remains to be seen. Harris may find himself the odd man out as the Pistons still need to create a roster spot for Jalen Duren. Given how negative a player LeVert was for Detroit last season, it won't hurt the Pistons if they don't get anything from Harris or Prince.
Whether LeVert will start and finish the season with the Bucks is unclear. They are stacked in the backcourt, and LeVert is lower in the pecking order there. Regardless of where he ends up, it's difficult to imagine LeVert making Pistons fans miss him with his play next season.
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