Report: Pistons claim former Sixers center Paul Reed

After signing Caleb Martin to a four-year, $35 million deal, the Philadelphia 76ers waived Paul Reed’s non-guaranteed. Though Reed had been a serviceable and popular player for the Sixers, the addition of Andre Drummond and rookie Adem Bona was a clear indicator that his time was likely over in Philadelphia. As anticipated, Reed did not clear waivers, being claimed by the Detroit Pistons, according to Shams Charania.

Reed made sizable strides over his years in Philadelphia. The 58th pick in the 2020 Draft, Reed averaged a career-high 7.3 points and 6.0 rebounds last season as he took on additional responsibility following Joel Embiid’s torn meniscus. While his series in the first round of the playoffs against the Knicks was forgettable, overall, the season was a relative success; it just was not meant to be in Philadelphia.

However, the more things change, the more they stay the same, as Reed will be following former Sixers Tobias Harris to Detroit. Harris, a known veteran presence in Philadelphia, should help ease the transition for Reed during the first transition between teams of his career.

As for his new role, it’s uncertain at this time as there’s a noticeable stockpile of centers in Detroit—but why should this year be any different? The Pistons currently have Jalen Duren slotted as their starting center, but the possibility of him being traded lingers, according to a source familiar with the team’s thinking. To be clear, that would only happen in the case that the Pistons should receive an offer for a star-level player.

In addition to Duren, the Pistons also roster Isaiah “Beef Stew” Stewart, who was at times miscast as the team’s starting power forward. With former Sixer Tobias Harris in town and set to start, Stew will likely be relegated to the co-backup spot with Reed until Detroit is able to solve their log jam with a trade of either Duren or, perhaps more likely, Stewart.