The end of the line for Tobias Harris' second tenure with the Detroit Pistons is imminent. Despite being part of the franchise's postseason revival during the 2025 NBA Playoffs, he objectively underperformed in his role and, as has been a common theme throughout his career, did so at his price point.
Harris shot below 35% from the 3-point line, a mark that was considered acceptable at the beginning of his career but, in this day and age, is considered below average. His volume shooting resulted in 14 points per game, good for the second-highest PPG average of players J.B. Bickerstaff will have to start the 2025-26 season.
Harris, due $26 million as an expiring contract, could see his career go several different directions. Practically all of them lead to a one-way ticket out of the Motor City for a second time, though.
Tobias Harris Likely to be Pistons Trade Chip by Deadline
If Harris underperforms, he could be dealt to a rebuilding team looking to get off long-term contracts. Then, he can hit the buyout market and land with a contender before the end of the regular season. Another stint with the Los Angeles Clippers or finally playing for his hometown New York Knicks could make sense if they're in contention in their respective conferences, as expected.
Should Harris surprise and play somewhat well, he can make sense for a team closer to a title than the Pistons are. Clearly, there wasn't much faith in the roster as it was last year, not enough to keep many of Cade Cunningham's supporting cast. Especially, the shooters. If Harris shoots the lights out of the rock, it feels more likely that he's flipped for assets based on how Trajan Langdon has done business.
There is also the matter of Langdon needing to figure out, at some point, whether the appropriate replacement for Harris is already on the roster. Detroit stunned many when it selected Ron Holland II with the No. 5 pick in the 2024 draft. Harris is directly in front of him at the power forward position. Should Holland take the next step as a second-year player, it could only push Harris out the door even quicker.
Either way, Harris isn't long for Detroit. He still has some good ball left in him, though it's unclear how much, or in what capacity he can be effective.