The 2025-26 NBA regular season is almost here as the offseason continues to fly by. It won't be long until the Detroit Pistons open this year's training camp at the end of September, followed by the start of the preseason with a clash against the Memphis Grizzlies on Oct. 6, giving head coach J.B. Bickerstaff his first real look at the upcoming roster.
Even though Bickerstaff's 2025-26 lineup is mostly set, the Pistons still have one roster spot remaining on their 15-man unit. Detroit could wait until the regular season begins before filling the hole, or general manager Trajan Langdon can make a play for the perfect free agent target who's still available.
Pistons Must Sign Free Agent PF Trey Lyles Before 2025-26 Season
The Pistons' power forward depth chart has been a concern throughout the 2025 offseason. Tobias Harris is set to be Detroit's starter in the No. 4 spot again; however, the depth beyond him is nearly non-existent, and an untimely injury to the veteran leader could put the team's frontcourt in a tough spot.
That's why it's worth it for the Pistons to kick the tire on a familiar face, free-agent PF Trey Lyles.
A former 2015 first-round pick by the Utah Jazz, Lyles had played with five teams throughout his 10-year career, which includes spending part of the 2021-22 season with the Pistons. The former Kentucky Wildcat was traded to the Sacramento Kings ahead of that year's trade deadline. Detroit fans weren't thrilled by his run, especially when previous insults he made about the city popped up following his signing.
Having said that, Lyles' remarks about Detroit happened in 2018, and he's since played in town and done a lot of growing in seven years. The Pistons have also transformed since he was last with the franchise, and his floor-stretching presence could be the last piece they need to compete in the Eastern Conference.
In parts of four seasons with the Kings after leaving the Pistons, Lyles averaged 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 44.8% from the floor and 36.2% from deep in 225 games (25 starts). He also performed well when asked to take on a starting role, proven by his averaging 12.0 points and 7.2 rebounds with a 48.8 FG% and 46.2 3P% in five starts last season. A small sample size, yes, but enough to prove that he can step up.
A signing would be a cheap veteran deal at this point in the offseason, which is the type of low-risk move that the Pistons should be open to. If things work out, great. If not, there isn't a ton of money lost and it won't take much to move on.
With the clock counting down to the 2025-26 season, the Pistons should make a call to Lyles before another team does.