The Detroit Pistons exceeded all expectations this season, clinching a top-six seed and playing a hard-fought playoff series against the New York Knicks. The future is as bright as it has been in a long time in Detroit, but taking the next step into becoming a true contender will be difficult.
In order to take another leap next season, the Pistons need to nail their offseason moves. That means that they will need to make difficult decisions to part ways with valuable players.
One of those players could be Tobias Harris.
After returning to Detroit, Harris had a solid campaign, providing veteran competence as a full-time starter, averaging 13.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 31.6 minutes per game. He was a stabilizing force on both ends of the floor for the Pistons.
However, Harris is turning 33 before next season and is on an expiring contract. Detroit would be wise to use his $26.6 million salary for next season to take a big swing on his replacement.
A player that comes to mind is the Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. The Pistons could acquire MPJ in exchange for Harris and Simone Fontecchio this summer.
Pistons Should Take a Chance on Michael Porter Jr. This Offseason
A move for Porter Jr. allows the Pistons to get a high-upside player without giving up any valuable assets. MPJ is overpaid, to be sure, making $38.3 million for next season, but his 2026-27 salary is only partially guaranteed. The Pistons could move on from him then if the experiment doesn't work.
The Nuggets sharpshooter struggled in the playoffs due to his shoulder injury. However, he has long been an elite marksman from behind the three-point line. A career 40.6% shooter from downtown, Porter Jr. provides Detroit something they haven't had in the Cade Cunningham era: a shooter with size. Thanks to his six-foot-ten frame, MPJ is as close to unblockable as a shooter.
Detroit's biggest weakness last season was shooting. Cunningham, Ausar Thompson, and Jalen Duren need as much shooting around them as possible. Putting one of the best shooters in his position around them would be a smart move by GM Trajan Langdon.