The Detroit Pistons didn't waste any time showing the former Philadelphia 76ers draft pick Paul Reed that he is valued.
Although the Pistons didn't have to guarantee Paul Reed's annual salary for the season until January 10, the team reportedly told the veteran center he would secure his $5.6 million for the 2026-2027 NBA season no matter what. It was just another sign that Reed is set to play a key role for Detroit.
Paul Reed's Pistons journey
The Sixers initially viewed Reed as a top backup to Joel Embiid years after picking him up in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft. When the Utah Jazz sent a $23.5 million offer sheet Reed's way, the Sixers matched.
But the one factor initially seen as something that could bite the 76ers ended up being their easy out. By missing the second round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs, Reed's contract wasn't fully guaranteed. The Sixers ended up paying just $7.7 million of the $23.5 million deal they agreed to with Reed. After waiving him, the Sixers watched the Pistons take on Reed.
The Pistons paid Reed on his original deal until he got closer to his guarantee date. Detroit cut him loose, but re-signed the veteran center to a $1.4 million contract to bring Reed back.
After Reed continued to show upside, the Pistons signed him to a two-year, $10.9 million contract. Last year, Reed served as the third center behind Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart. At this point, the Pistons accepted that Reed would be their primary backup in 2026-2027 after trading away Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Reed has appeared in 110 games for the Pistons across two seasons. He has posted averages of 6.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists.
Should the Sixers regret cutting ties with Paul Reed?
It's difficult to look at the Sixers' current backup center landscape and think they are better off. Currently, the Sixers have Adem Bona and Ariel Hukporti backing up Joel Embiid, who continues to struggle with his availability.
Bona and Hukporti are making a combined $5.6 million for the 2026-2027 NBA season, just $93,582 more than Reed. Still, the Sixers would be better off with one sure option, rather than riding with the unknowns that the backup center battle is going to bring ahead of the new season.
But the Sixers can't harp on Paul Reed. Clearly, he found a situation out in Detroit where he earned appreciation from the franchise. It's unclear what Reed's future holds beyond the 2026-2027 season, but the Pistons are clearly going to utilize Reed as their top guy behind Jalen Duren.
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