The Detroit Pistons have made another decision regarding their frontcourt ahead of the new NBA season.
Detroit has fully guaranteed Paul Reed's $5.6 million salary for the 2026-27 season, ensuring the 27-year-old center will remain part of the Pistons' plans.
Reed established himself as a useful member of Detroit's rotation last season and now appears positioned for an increased role following the departure of Isaiah Stewart.
Reed Earns His Guarantee
Reed appeared in 65 regular-season games for Detroit last season, providing energy and production from the bench.
He averaged 7.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.9 blocks in just 13.9 minutes per game.
Reed was also extremely efficient offensively, converting 61.7% of his field-goal attempts.
Those numbers don't leap off the page, but his ability to contribute in limited minutes made him a valuable part of Detroit's frontcourt rotation.
A Bigger Role Could Be Waiting
Reed's place in the rotation has become even more interesting following Detroit's decision to trade Isaiah Stewart to Memphis earlier this offseason.
Stewart's departure creates additional frontcourt minutes, and Reed currently projects as an important part of the Pistons' center rotation.
Rather than allowing Reed's non-guaranteed salary to remain unresolved, Detroit has now committed the full $5.6 million to keeping him for the coming season.
That provides Reed with security and gives the Pistons a proven depth option as they prepare for another postseason push.
Reed Made an Impact in the Playoffs
Reed also provided Detroit with some important postseason minutes last season.
After initially finding himself outside the rotation during Detroit's second-round series against Cleveland, Reed forced his way back into the picture.
Across five games in that series, he averaged 11.4 points and 5.0 rebounds in only 13 minutes per game, while converting 24 of his 34 field-goal attempts.
His performance included 17 points and six rebounds in just 16 minutes during Detroit's Game 6 victory.
That ability to produce when called upon gave the Pistons another reason to keep him around.
The Jalen Duren Question Remains
Detroit's biggest unresolved frontcourt question continues to involve Jalen Duren.
Duren remains a restricted free agent, with the Pistons yet to reach a new agreement with their starting center.
Reed's guarantee doesn't resolve that situation, but it does provide Detroit with some stability behind him should Duren ultimately return.
With Stewart gone and Reed now guaranteed, the structure of Detroit's frontcourt is beginning to become clearer.
The biggest piece is still waiting to fall into place.