Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon said the franchise will continue prioritizing player development over headline-grabbing moves, telling The Athletic’s Hunter Patterson that Detroit wants to see how far its young roster can grow before pushing for a major acquisition.
Detroit reached the playoffs last season after owning the NBA’s worst record in 2023/24, but Langdon explained he did not consider this summer the right moment to pursue a “big-time” talent. “We want our guys to continue to develop and at least get close to their ceiling or potential,” he said, adding that the organization will “press the gas pedal” only when it identifies the ideal complementary piece.
Free-agency pivot
Langdon initially intended to re-sign sixth man Malik Beasley. When Beasley became the subject of a federal gambling investigation, the front office shifted course, signing Caris LeVert and acquiring Duncan Robinson in a sign-and-trade. The club also brought back reserve center Paul Reed.
Despite inquiries, Langdon declined to trade any core prospects for a star-level player. “We’re very aware of the timing,” he noted. “Of course, you want to get better, but we’re trying to be patient.”
Contract outlook
Asked about potential rookie-scale extensions for guard Jaden Ivey and center Jalen Duren, Langdon would not discuss negotiations but praised both. He called Duren’s second-half play “tremendous” during the team’s playoff push and said Ivey “got off to a great start before getting injured.”
The club’s only long-term commitment beyond Cade Cunningham’s extension is Cunningham himself, a situation Langdon described as “optionality.” He said keeping future cap space open allows Detroit to pivot if circumstances change.
Cunningham’s leadership
Langdon credited the 23-year-old guard for guiding his peers. “He uses his voice well, holding them accountable and driving them in the right direction,” the executive said, while also “allowing them to be who they are as human beings, but also as basketball players.”
With no imminent blockbuster on the horizon, Langdon reiterated that the Pistons will monitor their young core’s progress before determining the next significant roster step.
Source: Hoops Rumors
