The Detroit Pistons have officially completed the sign-and-trade agreement that sends veteran point guard Dennis Schroder to the Sacramento Kings. In the end, Detroit fetched a 2026 second-round pick and a trade exception worth just over $14.2 million.
With the latter now part of Detroit's war chest of assets, Trajan Langdon and the front office have a new avenue available to add another difference-maker to the roster. Three options stick out above the rest.
Pistons Have 3 Obvious Targets After Schroder Trade Becomes Official
Dallas Mavericks PF PJ Washington
With this sizable trade exception in their back pocket, the Pistons now have a choice to make as to which area of their roster they want to upgrade via trade. There are options available in the frontcourt as well as the perimeter that would make a lot of sense for Detroit.
If a big man is what Langdon covets the most, he should look no further than Dallas Mavericks power forward PJ Washington. With Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg on the roster, the minutes a player like Washington should receive are unlikely to be there. The 26-year-old power forward has one year remaining on his current contract and that could be fully absorbed by the trade exception acquired in the Schroder deal.
With Tobias Harris entering a contract year, and unlikely to be part of the future timeline given that he turns 33 years old this month, it's worth seeing if Washington would fit alongside the Pistons' promising young core for seasons to come.
New Orleans Pelicans SF/PF Herb Jones
If additional help on the perimeter is where Langdon feels this trade exception could be used best, two players stick out as potential fits. First, New Orleans Pelicans small forward Herb Jones.
There is a reason why Jones is a favorite of fans and executives across the league. He is an elite defender capable of guarding players on the perimeter and in the interior, thanks to his length and athleticism.
While his offensive game still isn't as strong as what he brings to the table on the defensive end, he has shown vast improvement in that area and should continue to do so based on his work ethic alone. Jones has two years remaining on his deal, and his full salary for the 2025-26 season could be absorbed via Detroit's trade exception.
Washington Wizards SG/SF Corey Kispert
The second option that Langdon would be wise to consider, and will likely be easier to acquire than Jones, is Washington Wizards wing Corey Kispert.
Kispert has been known for his ability to put the ball in the basket since his college days and has carved out a nice role for himself since being selected with the No. 15 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. A career 38.2% 3-point shooter, Kispert would provide the Pistons with another threat to stretch the floor and open up driving lanes for Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and others.
In addition to his abilities on the offensive end, Kispert is under team control for at least the next three seasons at under $14 million per year and his contract includes a club option for the 2028-29 campaign.
Detroit has options available now that wouldn't have been there had the team never taken a chance on Schroder. That gamble could pay off yet again depending on how Langdon elects to use this trade exception.