DETROIT – With less than a week before the NBA Draft, Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon expressed confidence that the team can add a valuable contributor with the No. 21 overall pick while remaining active in exploring ways to improve a roster coming off a breakthrough season.
Langdon said Detroit benefited from a draft-pick swap that moved the Pistons up to No. 21 at the trade deadline via a protected first-round pick swap with the Minnesota Timberwolves, which was part of a three-team trade with the Chicago Bulls that sent Jaden Ivey in exchange for Kevin Huerter, and believes quality talent will still be available, despite what he described as a thinner-than-expected draft pool.
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“We were fortunate where we landed,” said Langdon. “We feel we’re going to get a good player here.”
Langdon noted that the growing influence of name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities in college basketball led more prospects to return to school, reducing the overall depth of this year’s draft class.
“I couldn’t have anticipated the amount of players that went back through NIL to school,” Langdon said. “I think that has kind of thinned up the depth of the draft.”
Detroit open to moving up draft board
While Detroit is expected to keep the pick, Langdon did not rule out exploring opportunities to move up the board.
“Could we look at situations to get up if need be? Yes,” Langdon said. “But I do think if we stay at 21, we’ll find a player we like.”
Langdon expects plenty of activity around the league leading up to and during draft night, particularly outside the lottery.
“I do have a feeling that people will be aggressively trying to get better,” Langdon said. “We’re doing the same thing.”
Malik Beasley
Langdon said on Thursday (June 18) that the organization has not yet discussed a possible return of veteran guard Malik Beasley.
When asked whether he had spoken with Beasley’s representation regarding a new contract, Langdon noted that the veteran currently does not have an agent.
“I have not,” Langdon said.
Asked whether he had spoken directly with Beasley about returning to Detroit, Langdon again indicated no discussions had taken place.
“I have not talked to him about coming back,” Langdon said.
Beasley is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer after playing a key role for the Pistons during the 2024-25 season, but he was under investigation for gambling last season.
The veteran guard provided perimeter shooting and scoring off the bench as Detroit made significant progress and emerged as a playoff contender in the Eastern Conference.
Free agency negotiations across the NBA cannot officially begin until June 30.
Shooting, playmaking among offseason priorities
The Pistons have identified perimeter shooting and additional playmaking as offseason priorities, though Langdon acknowledged finding elite shooting talent at No. 21 could be difficult.
“Usually, if they’re really good shooters, they don’t get there,” Langdon said.
Rather than drafting strictly for immediate need, Langdon said Detroit’s focus will remain on selecting the best player available who fits the organization’s culture and long-term plans.
“We have players that are going to get expensive,” Langdon said. “We’re going to have to have our picks hit and be able to help our team.”
Free agency, trades in play as Pistons aim to build around core
The Pistons are also expected to be active in free agency and trade discussions.
Langdon emphasized the organization’s desire to improve while maintaining flexibility and avoiding short-sighted moves.
“We’re not going to give up too many assets for a player that we feel, without having those assets down the road, would hamper us in terms of making another move,” Langdon said.
Detroit’s front office continues to prioritize continuity around franchise cornerstone Cade Cunningham while evaluating opportunities to add complementary talent, similar to the New York Knicks, who won the title through free-agent signings and trades.
“Our best player we drafted here. Our top three players we drafted here,” Langdon said. “It’s finding the players that fit our top three players and enhance what they can do around them.”
Langdon repeatedly stressed that internal development remains the team’s most important avenue for growth, following a season in which the Pistons made significant strides in the Eastern Conference.
“I think all of our guys will get better next year,” Langdon said. “We’ll come back a better team.”
Duren extension, ownership support highlighted
Among the team’s priorities is retaining center Jalen Duren, who is eligible for a contract extension.
“I want him here,” Langdon said. “We really want JD to be here.”
Langdon also praised owner Tom Gores' commitment to the organization, saying the franchise has consistently received the resources needed to support players and staff.
“There’s never been a no,” Langdon said when discussing requests made to ownership. “The success that we’ve had wouldn’t have happened without his contributions and overall commitment.”
Sustainable growth guides Pistons’ approach
As the Pistons prepare for a pivotal offseason, Langdon said the organization’s focus remains on sustainable growth rather than making headline-grabbing moves.
“We know that we need to be more equipped to compete in the postseason,” Langdon said. “Adding pieces that help accentuate our core players will help us not only in the regular season, but in postseason play as well.”
The 2026 NBA Draft begins on June 25, 2026, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.