Kevin Huerter, a 27-year-old Maryland alum, signed a three-year, $27 million contract with the Detroit Pistons as free agency began for the 2026 season. The deal follows his mid-season trade from the Chicago Bulls to Detroit in a three-team transaction that also involved the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In the 30 games he played for Detroit after the trade, Huerter averaged 8.6 points, 2.5 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game. He shot 44 percent from the field and 29 percent from three-point range, a dip from his career averages but reflective of reduced usage in Detroit’s system.

The Pistons acquired Huerter to shore up perimeter shooting beyond franchise cornerstone Cade Cunningham, who averaged 23.9 points per game. The roster also featured Tobias Harris (13.3 ppg), Duncan Robinson (12.2 ppg) and Jalen Duren (19.5 ppg) as the only other double-digit scorers.

Detroit entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference but were pushed to seven games by the Orlando Magic. The series highlighted the team's reliance on Cunningham for scoring, with his average climbing to 28.1 points in the postseason. Adding a reliable floor spacer like Huerter offers a secondary threat to keep defenses honest.

Huerter’s skill set, ability to space the floor, create his own shot off the dribble, and finish mid-range floaters, gives Detroit a more versatile wing. If he can improve his three-point percentage toward the league average, the Pistons could achieve a more balanced offensive attack and reduce the burden on Cunningham.

The contract provides Detroit with cap flexibility while securing a player who fits the modern NBA emphasis on spacing. Huerter reports to training camp in early October, where the coaching staff will integrate him into sets that maximize off-ball movement. The next few months will reveal whether the modest deal translates into a tangible upgrade for Detroit’s offense.