DeRozan option keeps Detroit’s summer wide open

Detroit’s offseason has taken an unexpected turn as the Pistons continue to assess whether DeMar DeRozan fits into their carefully reshaped roster. After a 60‑win campaign built around Cade Cunningham’s rise to First Team All‑NBA status and Jalen Duren’s breakout year, the front office prioritized shooting, flexibility and complementary veterans rather than another high‑usage creator. Yet DeRozan, now a free agent after leaving Sacramento, remains firmly on their radar.

The 36‑year‑old averaged 18.4 points on nearly 50% shooting last season, proving he still ranks among the league’s elite mid‑range scorers. Detroit’s revamped supporting cast, John Collins, Taurean Prince, Gary Harris, Isaiah Joe and rookie Ebuka Okorie, was assembled to expand Cunningham’s options, not to add another isolation specialist. Any pursuit of DeRozan must also account for looming financial commitments, including Duren’s extension and future decisions on Ausar Thompson. Miami is monitoring the veteran too, keeping the market competitive.