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On Sunday, the Detroit Pistons’ best season in two decades came to a disappointing end in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Despite suffering a second straight series loss and taking a 3–2 lead in their best-of-seven against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit suffered a devastating loss at home in Game 7.

As disappointing as the end of their 60-win season was, the Pistons have a good young core and will be a force in the East for years to come. However, if they want to be taken seriously as title contenders next season, they will need to make some bold moves to improve the roster this summer.

If they can re-sign restricted free agent All-Star Jalen Duren to a new deal that isn’t close to max money, they will have to aim for more offensive punch on defense with the addition of top star Cade Cunningham.

Whether it’s a superstar, All-Star, or impactful role player, here are 10 players the Pistons should target this offseason.

CJ McCallum

The Atlanta Hawks found out how valuable graybird CJ McCollum can be after trading for him during the season. He emerged as a team leader and strong secondary scorer. During the playoffs, he became the leading scorer when Jalen Johnson buckled under postseason pressure.

The Pistons don’t need him to be a top scorer, but the 34-year-old could be perfect as another option behind Cunningham, and he should come at a reasonable rate in free agency.

afernee simmons

The Pistons need more offensive punch off their bench or next to Cunningham in the backcourt. Another interesting option would be Portland Trail Blazers veteran Anfernee Simmons. Although he bounced back a bit last season, the 26-year-old is a player who has averaged more than 20 points a game twice during his career and is a legitimate three-point threat.

Since his value is lower than it was a few years ago, Detroit may be able to get him for a much cheaper rate in free agency.

giannis antetokounmpo

There is no doubt that the Pistons will be linked to the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade chase this offseason. If healthy, the combination of Cunningham and the two-time NBA MVP could be a major problem for every other team in the East. And Detroit could certainly make a good business proposition.

However, the bigger question is, will Trajan Langdon mortgage his future to make such a bold move on an aging player who has developed real injury concerns?

norman powell

Eleven-year NBA veteran Norman Powell has quietly emerged as one of the better scoring forwards in the game after two seasons averaging over 21 points a game. The first-time All-Star is a free agent and will certainly get a nice raise this summer.

Powell would be a notable upgrade over Tobias Harris and would give Detroit a No. 2 scoring option that opponents should respect without giving up draft assets in a trade.

Michael Porter Jr.

Michael Porter Jr.’s seventh season in the league was a career-best year. As the No. 1 option for the Brooklyn Nets, he posted 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals a night. Staying healthy has always been the forward’s biggest issue, but he’s still only 27 years old and on an expiring contract.

Although he won’t come cheap and may be a rental, the trio of Cunningham, Duran and Porter could be finals contenders next season.

kobi white

If Langdon looks to build a deep roster around Cunningham and Duren, another free agent to keep an eye on is Chicago Bulls veteran Coby White. He is an impact scorer off the bench or in the starting lineup after averaging 15.4 ppg over his seven-year career. He’s only 26 years old, he should arrive at a reasonable rate, and he’ll be a very good veteran player this offseason.

Trey Murphy III

When casual fans think of the New Orleans Pelicans, they assume Zion Williamson is their top star. However, due to his injury problems, Trey Murphy III has emerged as the No. 1 scoring option in NOLA. But that hasn’t been good enough to bring them out of the bottom of the standings, which is why the Pelicans may consider a trade this summer as they continue their rebuild.

While it could cost him at least two first-round picks in a trade, if Langdon wants to move forward with a combination of Cunningham and Duren, the 25-year-old Murphy III could be a third of the title contenders in the next few years.

ja morant

If the Detroit Pistons are willing to be risky, two-time All-Star Ja Morant could be acquired without giving up any meaningful draft picks. That’s how much his value has diminished due to his trouble staying healthy over the last few years and being off the court during that time.

However, if any player could benefit from a change in landscape and get back to his typical ways, it would be Morant. If Detroit can keep the 26-year-old healthy and focused, Morant could help form the best backcourt in the NBA with Cunningham.

peyton watson

Denver Nuggets veteran Peyton Watson is going to attract a lot of interest in free agency this summer. The 2025-26 season was a success for the 23-year-old, as he posted just 15 points and five boards a night while shooting 41% from three.

If Langdon is looking for a third building block that he can develop alongside Cunningham and Duren, Watson would be at the top of his free agent wish list.

Domantas Sabonis

The sleeper target for the Pistons this summer could be three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis. The Sacramento Kings were unable to find a trade for him before the trade deadline and are certain to acquire him again this summer. However he is owed a lot of money and due to a torn meniscus his price will probably be nowhere near what it was a few seasons ago.

The combo of Sabonis and Duren in the front court for a few seasons, as they dominate the boards, will be an approach that former rivals will have difficulty coping with.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

On Monday night, what was supposed to be a pretty good season for the Los Angeles Lakers came to a disappointing end when they were officially eliminated from the playoffs by the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Expectations were always low when top star Luka Doncic suffered a serious hamstring injury just before the postseason began. But the Roosters still showed their ability and courage to reach the semi-finals by defeating the Houston Rockets in the opening round.

Still, roster changes are coming this offseason. NBA legend LeBron James may have played his final game in Los Angeles – and possibly in the league. And DeAndre Ayton will almost certainly opt out of the final year of his deal. While those are notable losses, the Lakers aren’t too far away from being legitimate title contenders in 2026-27. But they still need better rim protection, big-time rebounding and more athletic versatility on defense.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at 10 impact players the LA front office should target this offseason to bolster the roster around young stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Sign Isaiah Hartenstein

Although his stats don’t jump off the page, Isaiah Hartenstein makes a notable impact wherever he plays. He is a classic dirty work player who will do whatever is necessary to win and that is what the Lakers need. But beyond those attributes, he is a great rebounder – especially on the offensive boards – a smart and tenacious defender and a skilled passer. If LA can get him for the right price in free agency, he will fill a lot of their needs in the front court.

trade for andrew wiggins

If Andrew Wiggins opts out of the final year of his contract with the Miami Heat (he is expected to), he should be a target for the Lakers. He is a classic 3-and-D player who would be a great fit on this Lakers team. He can guard many wing defenders Doncic or Reaves can’t despite being a legitimate three-point threat – he shot 41% from beyond the arc in 2025-26. Plus, if it doesn’t work out, he’ll be off the books after next season.

sign peyton watson

One player who will have a lot of interest in free agency this summer is Denver Nuggets swingman Peyton Watson. He had a breakout season in 2025-26 just in time to make the jump to the open market. Posting 14.6 points, nearly five rebounds and 1.1 blocks a game. Although it may be a small thing at just 23 years old, his success is huge.

With two young players at the core of the roster, the Lakers should target other young players to move forward with them. Watson should be at the top of their wish list. However, the major issue is that he is a restricted free agent, and the Nuggets have a chance to match any offer.

trade for jarrett allen

If the Cleveland Cavaliers do not reach the Conference Finals this month, Jarrett Allen will definitely be on the trade block, and the Lakers should be first in line for his services. The one-time All-Star brings the rebounding, rim-protection and lob threat Doncic wanted. He’s no star, but he’d be a perfect fit for LA.

Although he is still owed three years and more than $90 million, it will be worth it as he could address major needs this summer.

Trade for Yves Missy and Herb Jones

If the Lakers want to go a more budget-friendly route to address some issues, another option would be to talk to the New Orleans Pelicans on the phone and inquire about the cost of a trade for center Yves Messi and forward Herb Jones.

Neither of them have impressive offensive stats, but they are impressive defenders the Lakers should target this summer. Jones is a top perimeter defender. Missy is an impressive 21-year-old rim protector who can be further developed. This is not a sexy business, but will yield big profits over the course of the season.

sign michelle robinson

Despite averaging 19 minutes and scoring only five points per game, New York Knicks fans can tell you how valuable Mitchell Robinson is. He is a top-notch defender at the center position and rim protector, but his elite offensive rebounding could be the difference between a playoff team and a contender.

Knicks fans will also tell you how hurt the big man is. He would certainly be a risk for the Lakers, but he’s still only 28 years old and that’s exactly what they need in the middle.

Draft Terrence Reed Jr. with the No. 24 pick

The Lakers clearly have options in the free agency and trade market. But the 2026 NBA Draft is deep and has some gems available at the end of the first round and the beginning of the second round. One player who should be on their radar is Connecticut big man Tyrese Reed Jr.

He is a strong rebounder who is adept at tearing down offensive boards. He is an agile athlete on defense, but he also has a solid offensive game after scoring only 20 points per game for the Huskies last season.

Trade up in Round 2 and draft Zubie Ejiofor

If the Lakers are willing to trade up in the second round of the June event, another interesting target would be St. John’s big man Zubie Ejiofor. The Big East Player of the Year is a good rebounder and effective rim protector (he averages more than two per game) at 6 feet 9 inches tall. His offensive performance has also taken off after averaging 16 points per game last season.

As a potential replacement for LeBron James at power forward, Ejiofor could be a sleeper option early in Round 2.

Sign Kristaps Porzingis

If the Lakers are looking for an affordable risk with a upside this offseason, 10-year veteran Kristaps Porzingis should be on their radar. His bizarre health problems have seriously affected him in the last two seasons. However, his 2023-24 season with the Boston Celtics showed he can make a serious difference on a title contender if healthy.

Although he is not a beast on the boards, he is a rim protector who is a lopsided threat and can stretch the floor. Due to his recent illnesses, he could come cheap this summer.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos