With the 2026-2027 season on the horizon, Detroit recognized that meaningful changes were necessary. In the wake of the busiest phase of NBA free agency, the team faced harsh ratings in some early analyses, landing among the five most notable overpays of 2026 thus far.
Two acquisitions drew particular attention for their perceived overpayment: John Collins and Kevin Huerter.
John Collins
Collins is expected to join the Pistons on a three-year, $51 million deal. He brings reliability as a finisher around the basket and solid rebounding, but some observers question his overall impact. Critics note that Collins excels at efficiency but does not shoot a high volume of threes or get to the free-throw line frequently, and they worry about his ability to create for himself or others. The concern is that he could be asked to fill roles that don’t align with his strengths, potentially limiting his impact relative to the cost.
Collins has been in the NBA since 2017, initially making a strong early impression with the Atlanta Hawks, including a triple-double-like impact in his third season. His production later dipped, leading to a trade to the Utah Jazz in 2023 and, most recently, a stint with the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2025-2026 season. In 69 games for the Clippers that season, he posted averages around 13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game. Detroit is betting on Collins to serve as a younger, dynamic piece alongside their core, potentially filling a role reminiscent of a forward counterpart to Tobias Harris.
Kevin Huerter
Huerter’s exit from his late-season move to the Pistons was accompanied by a sizable three-year contract. While he is known as a reliable shooter, especially from long range, questions have persisted about consistency and volume. His production during a recent stretch included a notable slump, which has influenced assessments that the Pistons may be overpaying for a player who needs to demonstrate sustained efficiency and value to justify the investment.
Prior to returning to Detroit, Huerter had spent time with the team in the 2025-2026 season, showcasing his outside shooting and playmaking abilities. In a brief 25-game sample, his shooting from three-point range was below typical standards, and his scoring average hovered around the high single digits per game. The signing signals the Pistons’ intent to preserve a familiar lineup and preserve flexibility on the wings, but it also carries the risk that the investment does not immediately translate into enhanced spacing or production.
What this means for Detroit
The Pistons’ offseason moves reflect a bold strategy: prioritize established talent with the aim of rapid impact. Whether Collins’ and Huerter’s contracts pay off will depend on how they fit within Detroit’s system, how they contribute to offensive spacing, and how effectively they can adapt to their roles within the rotation. If Collins emerges as a reliable interior finisher and rebounder who can stretch the floor modestly, and if Huerter regains shooting efficiency from beyond the arc, the bets could begin to pay off sooner rather than later.
Beyond these two additions, the Pistons will also rely on internal development and the continued growth of their younger players. The balance between maximizing immediate return and building for the long term remains a central theme of Detroit’s blueprint for the coming season.
As the team navigates training camp and the early portion of the regular season, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see whether these high-profile signings translate into sustained on-court advantages. The outcome remains to be determined, but the offseason moves have clearly signaled Detroit’s intent to elevate their competitive trajectory in a tough conference.
