The Detroit Pistons completed a sign-and-trade with the Sacramento Kings on Monday, sending veteran guard Dennis Schröder and a 2029 second-round pick to the Kings in exchange for a protected 2026 second-round pick.
The protected pick is reportedly the Charlotte Hornets’ selection, which is protected No. 31-No. 55. And the pick the Pistons are sending will be the least favorable of the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks and Pistons.
Because the Pistons didn’t acquire a player in return, they’ve now created a trade exception worth around $14.3 million.
Detroit was set to lose Schröder in free agency to the Kings, regardless, but had reportedly been in talks about recouping some value for him after helping get the Pistons to the postseason in 2025.
The Kings would benefit from a sign-and-trade as it allows them to use their own trade exception created from February’s Kevin Huerter trade to add Schröder and keep their mid-level exception to sign further players.
The big question remaining for Detroit is if the organization will use its new trade exception and who it would go toward. Many trade exceptions go unused in the NBA, but given the Pistons gave up an additional asset, there’s a strong chance they intend to use it to bring in a player or players via trade.
Provided the Pistons’ re-signing of Paul Reed and acquisition of Caris LeVert are made official, they will be at 13 roster members. The team officially announced the signing of 2025 NBA draft second-round pick Chaz Lanier and the completion of the trade to acquire sharpshooter Duncan Robinson on Monday.
That would leave two spots left on the team.
The Pistons can use the trade exception to bring in multiple players and make multiple transactions, but they must be acquired via trade and their salaries fit in the trade exception.
With some added flexibility, now it’s just a matter of the Pistons making their next offseason move.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.