Detroit Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon used his first offseason press conference on Thursday to reaffirm that Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren and Amen Thompson anchor the franchise’s long-term plans.
“When you have multiple ball-handlers and more shooting on the floor, that opens it up for our three best players,” Langdon told reporters at the team’s practice facility. He said the front office is searching for outside shooting and additional playmaking to address the trio’s weaknesses and improve offensive spacing.
Contract talks still quiet
Langdon reiterated Detroit’s intention to re-sign Duren, who will enter restricted free agency on July 1, but acknowledged that negotiations “haven’t been progressing yet.” Thompson becomes eligible for a rookie-scale extension this summer. “Those conversations will be had, but you’ll never know how they go,” he said.
Draft strategy focused on No. 21
The Pistons hold the 21st pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Langdon expressed doubt that an elite shooter will slip that far, noting that name, image and likeness money lured several prospects back to college and thinned the class. “It’s pretty hard to find a good shooter at 21,” he said. “Maybe we can add playmaking. For us it’s, ‘Who’s the best player? Does he fit our identity?’”
Detroit expects to stand pat or trade up but does not plan to move down or out of the first round. “We feel we’re going to get a good player here,” Langdon added.
Balancing upgrades and future payroll
While the front office is evaluating trade options, Langdon emphasized that internal development remains Detroit’s quickest path to improvement. “All of our guys will get better next year,” he said. He also warned against sacrificing future assets, citing upcoming extensions for Duren and Thompson that begin in the 2027-28 season. “If it’s a trade, it has to be worthwhile. We’re not going to give up too many assets.”
Building on rapid progress
Detroit’s win totals have climbed from 14 to 44 to 60 over the past three seasons. After finishing first in the Eastern Conference, the club fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a seven-game second-round series. “Getting better means you’ve got to win the second round,” Langdon said. “We need to be more equipped in the postseason.”
The executive called an ideal offseason one that lands an impact player at No. 21, upgrades shooting and playmaking, and secures cost-effective deals for Duren and Thompson without overpaying.
Source: Hoops Rumors
