DETROIT — In a significant shake-up for the Detroit Pistons, Tim Hardaway Jr. has decided to sign a one-year deal with the Denver Nuggets, a source confirmed to The Detroit News on Tuesday, following an initial report by ESPN. This move marks the end of Hardaway’s one-year tenure with the Pistons.
Hardaway joined the Pistons in July 2024 after being traded from the Dallas Mavericks. During his stint with the team, he played in 77 games, averaging 11.0 points per game and shooting 40.6% from the field. His contribution was particularly notable in enhancing the Pistons’ 3-point shooting, where he made the second-most 3-pointers on the team, trailing only Malik Beasley, with 168 shots on 36.8% shooting from behind the arc.
Hardaway’s Impact and Departure
Hardaway’s best performance of the season came during a 133-122 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 28, where he scored a season-high 32 points, shooting 10-of-18 from the field and 7-of-11 from the 3-point line. Beyond his on-court contributions, Hardaway played a crucial role in transforming the Pistons’ culture through his veteran leadership.
The announcement of Hardaway’s departure comes at a time when the Pistons are undergoing significant roster changes. Prior to this, Dennis Schröder also agreed to a deal with the Sacramento Kings, ending his brief yet impactful tenure in Detroit. The deal was reported by multiple national writers, including ESPN’s Shams Charania and Yahoo! Sports’ Vincent Goodwill.
Schröder’s Brief but Significant Role
Schröder’s time with the Pistons, though short, was instrumental in the team’s success. Acquired at the trade deadline after Jaden Ivey’s season-ending leg injury, Schröder was brought in as a secondary ball-handler and scorer. He was part of a five-team trade that also involved the Golden State Warriors acquiring Jimmy Butler III.
Upon his arrival, Schröder quickly became a productive role player, averaging 10.8 points and 5.3 assists over 28 games. During the Pistons’ six-game first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks, he maintained his performance with averages of 12.5 points, 3.7 assists, and 1.2 steals.
“When J.I. went out, we felt like we needed another guy who we could put the ball in his hands and he could go out and make reads and make plays,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said in April. “He has been tremendous for us.”
Looking Ahead: Pistons’ Future Moves
With the departures of Hardaway and Schröder, the Pistons are now faced with the task of filling key gaps in their roster. The team has already made moves by reaching two-year deals with veterans Caris LeVert and Paul Reed. However, the search for additional talent continues, particularly as the team considers moving on without Malik Beasley, who is currently the subject of a federal gambling investigation.
The Pistons’ management will also be focusing on the upcoming free agency period, with several players under consideration to bolster the team’s lineup. As the team navigates these changes, the impact of losing key players like Hardaway and Schröder will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.
Meanwhile, Sacramento will be Schröder’s 10th NBA team, adding another chapter to his well-traveled career. As both Hardaway and Schröder move on to new opportunities, the Pistons will be looking to build on their recent successes and continue their pursuit of becoming a competitive force in the NBA.
