The Detroit Pistons desperately need more depth after losing several key contributors this summer. Even though they replaced Dennis Schröder, Tim Hardaway Jr., Malik Beasley, and Simone Fontecchio with Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert, the Pistons need more bodies in the frontcourt, especially at power forward.
While the development of Ron Holland and Ausar Thompson can alleviate some of that need, the lack of power forward sized players besides Tobias Harris is concerning.
That is why Jonathan Kuminga, who is a restricted free agent this offseason, was considered an ideal target for the Pistons. It would have required a sign-and-trade, but Kuminga's age, upside, and talent made him a very intriguing option for Detroit. It turns out, however, that the Pistons will have to pivot.
The Golden State Warriors will NOT trade Jonathan Kuminga this summer and plan to have him on the roster next season, per @timkawakami
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 4, 2025
Warriors owner Joe Lacob remains a fan of Kuminga and will only move him for real value pic.twitter.com/JbE8zMsCoj
Ideal Pistons Target Jonathan Kuminga May Not Be Available
Warriors insider Tim Kawakami reported on Monday that Golden State is planning to have Kuminga on the roster next season.
It was previously reported that the Warriors' best offer for the 22-year-old combo forward was an underwhelming two-year, $40 million deal. Understandably, Kuminga wasn't too interested in it as he is looking for a bigger role and annual salary after the flashes he has shown so far in his career. While this made it seem like the Pistons could have swooped in and poached Kuminga, the odds of that happening are reportedly much lower now.
Even though it would have been nice for the Pistons to land a high-upside player who can be the starting power forward for a long time, this is not necessarily a big loss. Detroit would have had to give up something valuable in return to facilitate a sign-and-trade with the Warriors, and despite Kuminga's potential, he has not proven to be a high-level playoff contributor just yet.
At the same time, the Pistons can't waste any more time before making a move for more forward depth. Whether it is a free agent veteran on a team-friendly deal or a trade target that can be acquired via packaging Marcus Sasser, Bobi Klintman, and draft capital, the Pistons must find a reliable Tobias Harris backup at the bare minimum to improve upon last season's success.