The Detroit Pistons have shown clear interest in acquiring centers Myles Turner and Naz Reid as the 2025 NBA free agency period approaches, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. This potential move aligns with the Pistons’ strategy to add a floor-spacing big man to enhance their roster balance.
Free Agency Status of Turner and Reid
Myles Turner will become a free agent following the expiration of his contract with the Indiana Pacers. Naz Reid, meanwhile, may enter free agency by declining his $15 million player option with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the next season. These developments open opportunities for teams like the Pistons looking to bolster their frontcourt.
Performance and Ambitions of Naz Reid
Reid built on his 2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year recognition by posting his best career averages last season, with 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across 80 games, primarily coming off the bench for the Timberwolves. After Minnesota’s playoff exit, Reid expressed mixed feelings about his future role but affirmed his confidence at the starter level in the league.
Should Reid opt to leave the Timberwolves, securing a deal with any team other than the Brooklyn Nets would require a sign-and-trade arrangement, as reported by ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Myles Turner’s Season and Pacers’ Playoff Outlook
Turner contributed solidly for the Pacers during the season, averaging 15.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists over 72 games as a starting center. With Indiana still engaged in a playoff run, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted that the franchise’s ownership might increase their spending next year and even reenter the luxury tax to retain their core players, which could improve the chances of keeping Turner on the roster.
Pistons’ Cap Space and Potential Moves
Approaching the 2025 offseason, Detroit has approximately $28.2 million in projected cap space, excluding contracts of current pending free agents like Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Dennis Schröder. If the Timberwolves or Pacers signal they are open to letting go of Turner or Reid, the Pistons could leverage this financial flexibility through sign-and-trade deals, mid-level exceptions, or direct free agent signings to upgrade their frontcourt.
This would aim to strengthen last season’s big man rotation of Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart, and Paul Reed, offering the Pistons greater versatility and floor spacing on the court.
Challenges Ahead in Pursuing Turner and Reid
While Detroit’s interest is clear, Stein cautioned that it remains uncertain whether the Pistons have a realistic chance of securing either Turner or Reid. The decisions of the Pacers and Timberwolves, as well as broader market dynamics during free agency, will greatly influence Detroit’s ability to make a significant move in this area.
The Pistons’ approach reflects their desire to reshape their roster thoughtfully, balancing cap considerations while aiming to become more competitive in the coming seasons.
“known to covet a floor-spacing big man.”
—Marc Stein
“Whether the Pistons have a tangible shot at acquiring either player, mind you, is far from clear,”
—Marc Stein
“ownership has indicated a willingness to increase spending next season and potentially reenter the luxury tax to keep this core together.”
—Brian Windhorst