After a few years of spotless roster continuity, the Oklahoma City Thunder are about to go through a summer of change. A handful of players will figure out their long-term future this upcoming season. And another few could be dealt with in cost-cutting moves as well as open up spots for this year’s draft haul.
It’s going to be an emotional offseason. The Thunder are set to say goodbye to pieces that helped them win an NBA championship in 2025. Alas, such is the NBA business. You’re never set with the same group of guys. Constant roster changes are part of the league.
One of those possible departures is Isaiah Joe. According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the Detroit Pistons have had interest in the 26-year-old. Of course, they flamed out in the NBA playoffs in Round 2 because nobody outside of Cade Cunningham could generate points. He’d fix some of that.
“Detroit, which is believed to be among the suitors for Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves if he makes it to unrestricted free agency,” Amick wrote. “Is also said to be interested in the Oklahoma City Thunder’sIsaiah Joe.”
It was a mixed bag of results for Joe this past season. He had a career year in the regular season. He averaged 11.1 points on 45.5% shooting, 2.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists. He shot an impressive 42.3% from 3 on six attempts. Juggling injuries all year, OKC added more onto the role player’s plate. He gladly took advantage of the extra opportunities.
But then the NBA playoffs rolled around. And by the end of the Thunder’s journey to the 2026 Western Conference Finals, Joe was outside of the rotation. He only averaged a measly 4.8 points in the postseason. His outside shooting crashed back down to Earth at 34.8% from 3 on 3.5 attempts.
At this point, the Thunder need guys who can step up in the NBA playoffs. They saw that with Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain. Not so much with Joe. That has led to a lot of folks thinking he’s probably expendable this offseason. He has two years and $22.6 million left on his current contract, with a 2027-28 team option. Pretty fair deal for one of the league’s best sharpshooting role players — as long as you can look past his faults in the playoffs.
If you’re the Pistons, you need the instant offense. Can’t have another year where Cunningham is manning that side of the ball by himself. Joe could help him out just as he’s helped out Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s kick-out game when defenses have collapsed to stop him in the paint.
It’ll be interesting to see what the Thunder get back in a trade. From what Amick wrote, the Pistons would be the team to initiate the call. In that scenario, I bet OKC could get a decent draft haul for Joe. There’s also the possibility they just roll it back with him next year. He’s on a team-friendly salary and can contribute to the regular season.
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Rumor: Pistons interested in trading for Isaiah Joe
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