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The Detroit Pistons are continuing to evaluate whether to pursue veteran forward DeMar DeRozan in free agency, according to Marc Stein reporting on The Stein Line on Friday. The six-time All-Star became available once Sacramento finalized a contract buyout, giving playoff contenders another experienced scorer to consider.

Detroit’s interest comes after an offseason focused primarily on improving roster fit around franchise cornerstone Cade Cunningham. Rather than making a blockbuster move for another star, the Pistons have prioritized shooting, financial flexibility and complementary veterans after finishing 60-22, the NBA’s best regular-season record in the Eastern Conference before falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers in seven games in the conference semifinals.

DeRozan would represent a different type of addition. The 36-year-old averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds across 77 games for the Kings in 2025-26 while shooting 49.7% from the field and 86.8% from the free-throw line. Even on a Sacramento team that finished 22-60, he remained one of the league’s most dependable half-court shot creators.

Detroit’s offense already revolves around Cunningham, who earned First Team All-NBA honors after averaging 23.9 points, 9.9 assists and 5.5 rebounds in 64 games while finishing fifth in MVP voting. The Pistons also received an All-Star season from center Jalen Duren, who averaged 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 65.0% from the field.

This summer, however, Detroit reshaped much of the supporting cast. The team brought in John Collins on a three-year, $51 million sign-and-trade agreement, while Taurean Prince and Gary Harris also joined the roster. The Pistons parted with Tobias Harris, Isaiah Stewart, Marcus Sasser and Caris LeVert as part of their broader restructuring.

The front office also added one of the league’s premier perimeter shooters by acquiring Isaiah Joe and signed first-round pick Ebuka Okorie, whose offensive upside gives Detroit another long-term developmental piece. Those moves reflected an organizational emphasis on maximizing spacing around Cunningham rather than adding another high-usage scorer.

Adding DeRozan would alter that approach somewhat. While he is not known as a high-volume three-point shooter, he remains one of the NBA’s most effective mid-range scorers and isolation players.

Detroit is also continuing negotiations with restricted free agent Duren on what is widely expected to become a long-term extension. Securing Duren and eventually extending defensive standout Ausar Thompson remain major priorities, making any pursuit of DeRozan dependent on the club’s remaining financial flexibility.

The Pistons are not alone in monitoring the veteran wing. The Miami Heat have also been linked to DeRozan as they continue searching for another perimeter scorer following their blockbuster acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Miami is also expected to weigh other veteran options, including Bradley Beal, Klay Thompson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.