The Detroit Pistons lost key veterans Dennis Schroder, Tim Hardaway Jr. and potentially Malik Beasley to free agency but new signings Duncan Robinson and Caris LeVert could make the team even better.
Robinson an upgrade over Beasley
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If not re-signed, the biggest hole in the roster is left by Malik Beasley. Beasley made a franchise-record 319 three-pointers on 42% shooting during the 2024–2025 season. He was often the second-most reliable scoring option behind Cade Cunningham.
The Pistons were reportedly prepared to offer Beasley a three-year, $42 million contract at the start of free agency, but negotiations paused after news broke that Beasley was the subject of a federal gambling investigation just before free agency began.
In an effort to replenish their three-point shooting, the Pistons signed veteran sharpshooter Duncan Robinson to a three-year, $48 million contract as part of a sign-and-trade deal that sent Pistons forward Simone Fontecchio to the Miami Heat.
Robinson averaged 11 points, 2 assists, and 2 rebounds on 39% three-point shooting during the 2024–2025 season. He has established himself as one of the league’s most consistent perimeter shooters across six seasons with the Heat.
Robinson is considered an upgrade over Beasley because of his sustained consistency as a three-point marksman, whereas Beasley had a history of streaky shooting before his breakout season with Detroit. It would likely be a challenge for Beasley to replicate the historic shooting marks he achieved last season.
Robinson also brings ample playoff experience, having played key roles in Miami’s runs to the NBA Finals. He averaged 12 points per game on 40% three-point shooting during the 2020 playoffs and 9 points per game on 44% shooting from deep during the 2023 playoffs.
Offensively, Robinson is a more versatile and connective piece than Beasley. He can put the ball on the floor, finish at the rim, and create opportunities for teammates by leveraging his off-ball movement and shooting gravity.
Beasley, by contrast, is more one-dimensional—if his three-pointers aren’t falling, his offensive impact is limited.
Robinson should be able to seamlessly fill Beasley’s off-ball movement role, which he’s played effectively in Miami for seven seasons. The gravity and defensive attention that Cade Cunningham draws when he has the ball could help generate more open looks for Robinson and elevate his impact.
Neither player is known for defense, and their defensive metrics are nearly identical. Beasley finished the 2024–2025 season with a defensive rating of 116.5, while Robinson’s was 116.9.
LeVert replaces Schroder and Hardaway Jr.
Veterans Dennis Schröder and Tim Hardaway Jr. were instrumental in the Pistons’ journey to their first playoff win since 2008.
Schröder signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Sacramento Kings during free agency. Hardaway Jr. signed a one-year deal with the Denver Nuggets.
To replace the bench production provided by both players, the Pistons signed veteran shooting guard Caris LeVert to a two-year, $29 million contract.
LeVert was a solid scorer off the bench for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks during the 2024–2025 season, averaging 12 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds on 47% shooting from the field and 37% from three.
Similar to Hardaway Jr., LeVert can heat up quickly and provide an offensive spark.
Though he’s a capable passer, LeVert is not a true point guard like Schröder. However, he could share secondary playmaking duties with Marcus Sasser and Duncan Robinson on the second unit.
LeVert’s skill set allows him to fill both Hardaway Jr.’s and Schröder’s roles offensively while also offering slightly better perimeter defense than either.
Injuries plagued the early part of LeVert’s career, but he’s been durable in recent years, playing over 63 games in each of the past three seasons.