Pistons Shake Up Roster in Final Week Before Playoffs

Detroit signs Tolu Smith to two-year deal, releases Bobi Klintman

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:36pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

With the playoffs approaching, the Detroit Pistons made a surprise roster move on Tuesday, signing Tolu Smith to a two-year contract and releasing forward Bobi Klintman. Smith, who was already on a two-way deal, will now be the fourth center on the Pistons' roster behind Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart, and Paul Reed. The decision to part ways with Klintman, the 37th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, suggests the team was not satisfied with his development and ability to contribute.

Why it matters

The Pistons are entering the playoffs as the No. 1 seed for the first time in two decades, and they are using the final week of the regular season to finalize their roster. The move to sign Smith and release Klintman indicates the team is focused on solidifying its depth, especially at the center position, as it prepares for a deep postseason run.

The details

Tolu Smith was already on a two-way contract with the Pistons, but the new deal makes him eligible to play in the playoffs. The 23-year-old center has shown promise in his limited NBA and G League opportunities, and the Pistons apparently trust him more than Klintman as a potential emergency backup. Klintman, a second-round pick in 2024, was never able to crack the Pistons' rotation despite the team's lack of forward depth behind Tobias Harris.

  • The Pistons made the roster moves on Tuesday, April 8, 2026, with only five days remaining in the regular season.
  • Tolu Smith was already on a two-way contract with the Pistons prior to the new deal.

The players

Tolu Smith

A 23-year-old center who was previously on a two-way contract with the Pistons and has shown promise in limited NBA and G League play.

Bobi Klintman

A 23-year-old forward who was the 37th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft but was never able to crack the Pistons' rotation.

J.B. Bickerstaff

The head coach of the Detroit Pistons, who is presumably trusting Smith more than Klintman as a potential emergency backup center.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The fact that the Pistons would rather have a fourth-string center on the roster rather than Klintman speaks volumes about how the franchise felt about the second-year forward.”

— Omari Sankofa II, Detroit Free Press reporter

What’s next

The Pistons will look to finalize their playoff roster in the final week of the regular season, with Smith now serving as the fourth center behind Duren, Stewart, and Reed.

The takeaway

This roster move highlights the Pistons' focus on solidifying their depth and building a playoff-ready roster as they prepare for their first postseason appearance in two decades. The decision to part ways with Klintman, a former second-round pick, suggests the team was not satisfied with his development and sees more potential in Smith as a backup center option.