The Detroit Pistons are set to gain flexibility in the NBA trade market now that a heavily protected first-round draft pick will finally convey to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2025. This pick, initially traded to the Houston Rockets in 2020 for the 16th overall pick, which resulted in fan-favorite Isaiah Stewart, has been a burden due to the NBA's Stepien Rule. With the pick now top-13 protected, it’s expected to transfer to Minnesota, allowing Detroit to trade first-round picks in consecutive drafts for the first time in years.

As the Pistons clinched a playoff spot with a recent victory over the Toronto Raptors, the focus shifts to building around franchise player Cade Cunningham. This alleviation offers new avenues for the Pistons to enhance their roster, freeing them to explore new trades this summer. Historically, this will be their first draft without a first-round pick since 2018, following the Blake Griffin trade.