Duncan Robinson has officially embarked on a new phase in his professional basketball career by joining the Detroit Pistons in a $48 million sign-and-trade agreement. This move comes after his significant seven-season tenure with the Miami Heat and represents an opportunity for renewal and growth as Robinson embraces this fresh start.
Robinson’s transition to Detroit follows his decision to exercise the early termination option on his Miami contract in June, setting the stage for this transformative signing. His Detroit Pistons deal places him in a promising environment known for its rising roster and recent competitive strides.
The Undrafted Player Who Rose to NBA Prominence
Robinson’s journey to NBA success is remarkable, considering he went undrafted in 2018 despite being a Michigan native. From those beginnings, he established himself as one of the highest-paid undrafted players in league history due to his sharpshooting skills and persistence. During his time with Miami, Robinson became the franchise’s all-time leader in three-pointers, a testament to his accuracy and consistency beyond the arc.
He detailed the highs and lows of his career candidly:
The moments in my career, where on paper, are the biggest accomplishment or the moments where you have everything figured out have been followed by these just gut-punching setbacks,
—Duncan Robinson, NBA Player. This insight reveals the mental and emotional challenges underlying his on-court achievements.
Between 2018 and 2024, Robinson averaged 11.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting nearly 40% from three-point range, showcasing his critical role as a perimeter specialist. His dedication and evolving skill set propelled him to the forefront of Miami’s offense during his stint.
Challenges and Triumphs During Miami Heat Years
Robinson’s Miami chapter was far from linear; after signing a lucrative five-year, $90 million deal in 2021, his playing time fluctuated significantly. He moved from bench minutes to a starting position, then found himself sidelined at times. This erratic usage contributed to periods of self-doubt, as he admitted:
The public perspective shifted my own perspective of myself,
—Duncan Robinson, NBA Player. His struggle to maintain confidence amid external pressures marked a difficult internal battle.
Despite these obstacles, Robinson’s achievements include setting the record for the fastest player in franchise history to reach 1,000 made three-pointers and solidifying his status as a key contributor in 423 games. Nonetheless, he revealed an underlying anxiety about his standing:
I’ve always had this anxiety of like, ‘Am I good enough?’
—Duncan Robinson, NBA Player. This admission underscores the complexity of his professional journey.
Detroit’s Rebuilding Team Welcomes a Veteran Shooter
Robinson’s arrival in Detroit coincides with a Pistons team experiencing a resurgence after nearly a decade of struggles. The 2024-25 season marked a turning point, with Detroit finishing above .500 for the first time in nine years and securing a playoff victory for the first time in 17 seasons. Key young players like Cade Cunningham, who ranked seventh in MVP voting, have laid a solid groundwork for future success.
With the Pistons letting go of Malik Beasley, a former franchise record-holder for three-pointers whose tenure ended amid controversy, Robinson brings a distinct dynamic focused on efficient shooting without demanding excessive ball control. He is expected to complement emerging talents Ausar Thompson, Jaden Ivey, and Jalen Duren effectively.
Robinson Identifies with Detroit’s Spirit of Resilience
Reflecting on the city, Robinson expressed admiration for Detroit’s capacity to overcome adversity, connecting it to his own experiences.
When I think of a city like Detroit, I think of resilience,
—Duncan Robinson, NBA Player. He further stated,
I think of a city that’s seen the highest highs and the lowest lows, and is still finding a way to bounce back.
—Duncan Robinson, NBA Player. This shared resilience speaks to the motivation fueling his next career chapter.
At 31 years of age, Robinson is now the second-oldest player on the Pistons roster, following Tobias Harris. The team also strengthened its lineup by acquiring Caris LeVert and re-signing Paul Reed, despite losing notable veterans Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dennis Schroder during free agency. This combination of experience and youth hopes to push Detroit forward in upcoming seasons.
Looking Ahead: Experience and Hope with Detroit
Duncan Robinson’s move to the Detroit Pistons represents more than a contractual shift; it is an opportunity for renewal and impact. Carrying valuable NBA experience and a proven three-point shooting ability, he is positioned to help Detroit solidify its growing competitiveness while contributing to a team eager to rewrite its narrative.
As the Pistons build on recent momentum, Robinson’s presence could be a catalyst for both his personal resurgence and Detroit’s continued climb in the league standings, embodying the perseverance that has defined his career path so far.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Duncan Robinson?
A. On Tuesday, Duncan Robinson set a record with the Heat for the most three-pointers ever. However, he is now joining the Pistons. He agreed to a four-year contract with Detroit following a sign-and-trade deal from the Heat.