Javonte Green signed with Detroit on a one-year deal, adding defensive savvy and toughness to a wing rotation that already features dynamic young wings. The deal makes 14 players under contract for the Pistons next season, though it isn’t clear if it’s fully guaranteed. Green, 32, is known for his perimeter defense and two-way versatility, averaging 5.1 points and 3.2 rebounds split between New Orleans and Cleveland last year after a Pelicans buyout.

Detroit’s likely starting duo appears to be Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson, with Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson coming off the bench behind them. Marcus Sasser and Ron Holland II should also be in the mix. The aim: push the defense into the top 10, giving coach a deeper, more flexible rotation on the wings. The addition reinforces a commitment to defense and adds another solid option in the backcourt/wing mix.

Green’s signing broadens the Pistons’ defensive schemes and offers a reliable defender to guard multiple positions. The wing depth will be tested as Ivey and Ausar anchor the lineup, with LeVert, Robinson, Sasser and Holland pushing for minutes as Detroit pursues a tougher, more versatile defensive identity.

Javonte Green signs a one-year deal with the Detroit Pistons, stepping into a defense-first wing role off the bench. His strength is versatility on the perimeter, guarding multiple positions and providing energy when the second unit checks in. Detroit aims to lean on his reliability in tight games and late shifts.

Duncan Robinson lands in Detroit via a trade from Miami, bringing proven three-point punch off the bench. The pairing with Green sets up a dynamic wing rotation where Green anchors defense while Robinson supplies spacing and scoring in bursts. Expect some minutes to be shared on the wings, with Robinson handling off-ball shooting duties and Green taking on tougher matchups.

Green split last season between New Orleans and Cleveland, logging modest minutes but delivering 5.1 PPG and 3.2 RPG per game. In Detroit, a focal point will be elevating his role to roughly the high-teens in favorable matchups, which could push him into the 18–22 minute range nightly and improve his peripheral stats when the calendar tilts toward defensive focus and pace.

Detroit’s playoff appearance last season ended in a first-round loss to New York. The Robinson acquisition, paired with Green’s defensive presence, deepens Detroit’s wing rotation and provides fantasy managers with a clearer path to role-based value from the second unit. Monitoring how the two players share court time in different matchups will be key for weekly projections.

In fantasy terms, Green’s value hinges on minutes, defensive stats, and the ability to convert a steady baseline of boards and steals. Robinson’s shooting upside raises ceiling nights when he connects from deep, especially in flush-backcourt schedules. The Pistons’ improving depth makes the wing duo a rotation-watch when setting weekly lineups.

Detroit's offseason pivot centers on preserving a contending core while reshaping around Cunningham. Ausar Thompson, Jalen Duren and Jaden Ivey return, giving Detroit a young, explosive core ready to attack a softened Eastern Conference. The Pistons added Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson to inject shot-making and playmaking, offsetting losses like Tim Hardaway Jr., Dennis Schroder and Malik Beasley. A Sports Illustrated mock trades Michael Porter Jr. from Brooklyn for Tobias Harris, Marcus Sasser, Bobi Klintman and a protected 2027 first. Porter Jr. would bring scoring punch and spacing, likely serving as the second option behind Cunningham, while his defense has improved. The deal carries risk in surrendering veteran Harris and developmental guard Sasser, and Porter Jr.’s injury history adds volatility. If Porter Jr. fits, Detroit could become a legitimate contender around its young core for the next several years.

Miami Heat weigh waiving Simone Fontecchio to dodge the 2025-26 luxury tax as the cap sits near 187.9 million. Fontecchio has become a fan favorite for his sharpshooting, averaging 5.9 points per game, but payroll pragmatism could trump potential value. If no team claims him within 48 hours, Miami could save substantial cash, though the move would risk depleting a rotation piece acquired in the Duncan Robinson trade.

The situation is complicated by the looming trade deadline and a fan base that’s already debating whether the Heat should pivot toward payroll relief or keep Fontecchio on the floor. The rumor mill even nudges at trading Rozier, highlighting how budget decisions could redefine Miami’s roster construction and long-term competitive outlook.

The Detroit Pistons are looking to build on their remarkable turnaround last season, when they transitioned from the worst record in the NBA to a playoff appearance. This offseason has been tumultuous, highlighted by the investigation into Malik Beasley related to gambling allegations, leading to stalled contract negotiations. Losing Dennis Schroder and Tim Hardaway Jr. in free agency added to their challenges. However, the acquisition of Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson via a sign-and-trade has bolstered their bench scoring. Despite these ups and downs, there's optimism surrounding the development of their young core, including Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and Ron Holland II, positioning the Pistons as potential contenders in the Eastern Conference.