Pistons in Talks to Bring Isaac Bonga Back to NBA
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The Detroit Pistons have opened negotiations with veteran forward Isaac Bonga about a potential deal for the 2026/27 season, according to Serbian outlet Meridian Sport.
Reporter Predrag Saric states that Detroit has been in direct contact with the 26-year-old German and is “working toward reaching a deal” that would return Bonga to the NBA after four years in Europe. While the agreement is not yet finalized, Bonga’s contract with Partizan Belgrade contains an $875,000 opt-out clause that he is expected to trigger this summer, clearing the way for a July move to Michigan.
Bonga, selected 39th overall in the 2018 draft, logged 143 regular-season games for the Lakers, Wizards, and Raptors from 2018 to 2022. Over that span he averaged 3.1 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 13.1 minutes, shooting 43.2% from the field and 30.0% from three-point range.
Since leaving the NBA in 2022, the 6’9” wing has collected domestic titles with Bayern Munich and Partizan and was named the ABA League’s Best Defensive Player in 2025. He also helped Germany claim gold at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and the 2025 EuroBasket.
In 38 EuroLeague games during the 2025/26 campaign, Bonga averaged 9.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists across 27.8 minutes, while hitting 38.3% of his 303 three-point attempts.
The Pistons currently project to have approximately $109.5 million in guaranteed salary on the books for 2026/27, giving the front office room to maneuver even after accounting for new contracts for center Jalen Duren, forward Tobias Harris, and other free agents.
No timetable has been set for a final decision, but Saric reports both sides are optimistic about completing a contract once Bonga secures his release from Partizan.
Source: Hoops Rumors
