DETROIT >> Following a quiet NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons will now focus on free agency to build upon their success from the 2024-25 season. The Pistons have significant decisions to make regarding their pending free agents, headlined by Sixth Man of the Year runner-up Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr., two players who were instrumental in Detroit’s resurgence.

Dennis Schröder is another of the Pistons’ top free agents, and he reportedly is drawing heavy interest from other teams.

Outside of the Pistons’ own free agents, there are several players the team could pursue to enhance its roster. As the free-agent negotiation period begins Monday, here are five players the Pistons should consider targeting on the open market.

Ty Jerome, Cleveland Cavaliers

Due to an FBI investigation launched against Beasley, the Pistons might be forced to reconsider their desire to re-sign the veteran guard.

Jerome, a sixth-year guard, played a significant role in helping the Cavaliers finish the 2024-25 campaign with 64 wins. While appearing in 70 games, Jerome averaged 12.5 points while producing one of the highest 3-point shooting percentages in the league at 43.9%. He finished third in Sixth Man of the Year voting behind Beasley and the Boston Celtics’ Payton Pritchard.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Minnesota Timberwolves

Naz Reid would have been the perfect fit for the Pistons, but late Friday night, the former Sixth Man of the Year winner signed a five-year, $125 million extension to remain with the Timberwolves. Although Reid is off the market, the Timberwolves can provide another near-perfect fit with Alexander-Walker, who Minnesota will likely allow to walk.

Alexander-Walker will be one of the most sought-after free agents, given that he is one of the league’s best 3-and-D players. While appearing in all 82 games last season, Alexander-Walker shot 38.1% on 3-pointers while averaging 9.4 points per game.

Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets

This summer’s free agency class is less star-studded than previous years, but it offers several productive players who can enhance any team’s depth. Thomas would enhance the Pistons’ wing depth while providing the franchise with the opportunity to add one of the best young scorers from this class. Before going down with a season-ending hamstring injury, Thomas continued to showcase his ability to score on and off the ball, averaging 22.4 points on 43.8% shooting from the field. The Pistons’ need for a secondary go-to scorer outside of Cade Cunningham was present during their first-round series against the New York Knicks. Thomas is a restricted free agent, meaning the Pistons must present an offer that would discourage the Nets from matching.

Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers

Even with Tyrese Haliburton’s absence, convincing Turner to leave the Indiana Pacers is still going to be a difficult task for any team. Turner has spent his entire career with the Pacers, who recently advanced to the NBA Finals. However, Turner will remain one of the top big men in this year’s free agent class due to his versatility as a rim protector and floor spacer.

Turner is coming off one of his most impressive seasons, averaging 15.6 points on a career-best 39.6% shooting from deep, 6.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks across 72 games.

Santi Aldama, Memphis Grizzlies

The Pistons need a stretch big, but landing Turner seems unlikely. However, Detroit would be able to find a reliable shooting big in Aldama. Since being drafted by the Utah Jazz in 2021, Aldama has improved his 3-point shooting each year, primarily due to increased opportunities. Last season, Aldama averaged a career-high 12.5 points while connecting on 36.8% of his 3-point shots. Like Thomas, Aldama is also a restricted free agent.