DETROIT, MI – The Detroit Pistons have entered a new era where playoff seeding is more important than their draft position. Where inching closer to a championship is more important than cute seasons where they make the playoffs to be sacrificial lambs for opponents.

They had an opportunity to retain their 2025 first round draft pick and still show improvement most fans would’ve approved. But the team had other plans that pushed results far past even the best expectations. And the protections on the draft pick were null and void transferring the pick #17 to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

If you lived under a rock the past NBA season, the Pistons made a historic jump from 14 wins to 44. They became the first team to lose as many games one season, and make the playoffs the next.

This success also yielded greater recognition for the players who set playoffs as a goal before the season started. Guard Cade Cunningham added another notch to his budding star finally being crowned an All-Star and All-NBA player.

So, what now? With the Eastern Conference believed to be more wide open and the Pistons on the rise, many fans want to see them strike big.

Free Agency Outlook

Trajan Langdon has a real belief that this team has more to accomplish which may influence how they operate this offseason.

“We’re not going to be super aggressive this summer I don’t think, I don’t foresee any of that,” Langdon said. “It’s just developing from within and hopefully keep the guys we brought in last year.”

For fans who were hoping for a big splash after seeing players like Kevin Durant traded, were left with far less belief in the Pistons finally finding a co-star for Cunningham.

But Langdon did mention the Orlando Magic’s acquisition of Desmond Bane, and how he would accept a similar type deal if it didn’t “hamper” the team.

“I don’t think we want to be locked in and push our chips in,” Langdon said. “We want to keep that optionality. I think we will see growth from this year to next year and that’s what’s important for us.”

The more Trajan Langdon speaks, the more command he exudes. Refusing to be sped up, or slowed down. He has a game plan and believes confidently the execution will bring results.

Despite fan favorite offseason targets available like Lauri Markkanen, Naz Reid and Bobby Portis, there should be no cause for lost confidence if the Pistons strike out.

Vet Power

Last offseason Langdon stepped on the scene and had what many would consider a modest free agency. But the final product was anything but. They identified Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway, Jr, and Tobias Harris. The Pistons also later added Dennis Schroder at the trade deadline to great success. That combo of veteran players helped the Pistons the playoffs and intrinsically beyond. They have changed the trajectory of what success now means for the organization.

So it makes sense why Langdon would welcome the vets back with open arms. But they may not be able to retain them all.

“We have stated that we’re interested and they’re interested in us,” Langdon said. “But agents have to do their job and survey the market and see what’s there, and hopefully we can see those guys back.”

Schroder played his way into a potential pay raise this offseason. His success has led to rumors of the Sacramento Kings seeking to “aggressively” pursue the him at the start of free agency. And he’s not the only Pistons free agent generating attention from prospective shoppers. Further proving Langdon’s prowess at identifying talent as other teams are clamoring to sign the guys he’s identified.

Like Scott Harris with the Detroit Tigers and Brad Holmes with the Lions, Trajan Langdon is quickly proving his mettle.

But has Trajan Langdon earned your trust, or do you need to see more?