Detroit Pistons Acquire Isaiah Joe to Address Three‑Point Shooting Needs
The Detroit Pistons have made their first major move of the offseason, acquiring Isaiah Joe from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for two future second‑round picks, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. The deal directly targets Detroit’s most glaring postseason weakness: a lack of consistent three‑point shooting.
Detroit’s offense struggled to generate perimeter volume during the playoffs, and the front office made it clear that adding reliable shooters around Cade Cunningham was a top priority. Joe, one of the NBA’s most efficient high‑volume marksmen, fits that need immediately.
Detroit Pistons’ Cap Picture Complicated by Jalen Duren’s Free Agency
While the Pistons had only $136 million in guaranteed salary on the books for next season, ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted the team is currently operating over the cap due to Jalen Duren’s $19.5 million cap hold.
Negotiations with Duren have reportedly hit a tense point. According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the two sides remain far apart, prompting Duren to explore potential sign‑and‑trade scenarios. Despite this, insider Chris Haynes reported that Detroit is telling teams it has no intention of trading Duren, signaling confidence that an extension will eventually be reached.
The Joe acquisition does not directly impact the Duren situation, but it underscores Detroit’s commitment to building a roster that complements Cunningham’s strengths.
Why Isaiah Joe Is the Perfect Fit for Detroit’s Offense
Even though the Detroit Pistons finished tied for fourth in playoff three‑point percentage, their 29.9 attempts per game ranked third‑fewest among postseason teams. Much of their efficiency came from just two players: Cunningham and Duncan Robinson, who combined for 82 of Detroit’s 150 made threes.
Isaiah Joe brings exactly what Detroit lacked — volume and accuracy.
- He has shot 40% or better from three in four straight seasons.
- He has averaged six or more attempts per game in each of the past two years.
- His 41.5% three‑point percentage since the start of 2022‑23 ranks 14th in the NBA.
- In the postseason, he has hit 38.4% of his threes across 55 games.
Joe’s ability to relocate, shoot off movement, and stretch defenses several feet behind the arc gives Detroit a dynamic perimeter threat they simply did not have last season.
Thunder Move Joe Amid Looming Financial Pressure
For Oklahoma City, the decision to move Joe was driven by long‑term financial realities. The Thunder already have three max contracts on the books — Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams — and both Holmgren’s and Williams’ deals kick in for the 2026‑27 season.
As a result, OKC is currently projected to be $28.6 million over the second apron, making cost‑cutting moves necessary. Joe is entering the final guaranteed year of his four‑year, $48 million contract, which includes an $11.3 million player option for 2027‑28.
The Thunder also face an imminent decision on Isaiah Hartenstein’s $28.5 million team option, due Monday. HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported that OKC is expected to keep Hartenstein, though it remains unclear whether he will play on the option or sign a longer‑term deal with a lower annual cap hit.
Additionally, the Thunder added frontcourt depth by drafting Aday Mara with the No. 12 pick, giving them more roster flexibility as they navigate the cap.
What Joe’s Arrival Means for Detroit’s 2026 Outlook
For the Pistons, Joe’s arrival is a clear signal: the team is committed to modernizing its offense. His shooting gravity should open driving lanes for Cunningham, create cleaner looks for Robinson, and reduce the offensive burden on Detroit’s young core.
If the Pistons resolve the Duren situation and continue adding complementary pieces, Joe could become one of the most impactful under‑the‑radar acquisitions of the offseason.
