Detroit Pistons Retain Veteran Center Amid Free Agency Frenzy

Pistons and Paul Reed agree to two-year deal to stay in Detroit.

Jan 13, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Paul Reed (7) warms up before a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

On Monday night, free agency officially got underway in the NBA. As deals started to pour in, the Detroit Pistons got on the board by retaining a player from last year's roster.

In the midst of the initial free agency frenzy, Shams Charania reported on Trajan Langdon's first signing of the summer. The Pistons and big man Paul Reed have agreed on a two-year deal that will keep the former G-League in Detroit.

Reed first arrived in Detroit last offseason after being waived by the Philadelphia 76ers. He'd end up bolstering the Pistons' center rotation, slotting in behind Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart.

Free agent C/F Paul Reed – aka BBall Paul – has agreed to a two-year, $11 million deal to return to the Detroit Pistons, sources tell ESPN. Reed played a versatile role for Pistons frontcourt, and the team and his agent Ron Shade of Octagon reached the new contract tonight. pic.twitter.com/E18RtqMSqj

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025

Reed wasn't an everyday player for the Pistons but was able to provide a boost when his number was called. The former second-round appeared in 45 games during the regular season, averaging 4.1 PPG and 2.7 RPG off the bench. His best individual showing came in a November matchup against the Charlotte Hornets when he notched 13 points in 12 minutes after Duren exited with an injury.

Though he played a limited role in the regular season, Reed saw his playing time increase during the postseason. With Stewart missing most of the first round due to injury, he stepped in to be Duren's primary backup. Reed helped the Pistons remain competitive against the New York Knicks, providing energy and defense in the frontcourt.

Now locked into a new contract, Reed will once again compete for playing time on the Pistons. His role in 2026 is likely to remain the same, being the third center on the roster who fills in when needed.