Before the Miami Heat got over the finish line to land Giannis Antetokounmpo, it was rumored that they could also acquire Duncan Robinson in a three-team trade with the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons— as the Pistons had interest in landing Tyler Herro as part of the trade.
Ultimately, the Antetokounmpo to Miami blockbuster wound up being a straight deal between the Heat and Bucks.
But there may still be pathways to get Robinson back to South Beach— who would be a pitch-perfect shooting fit alongside a Giannis and Bam Adebayo led lineup.
Robinson is the Heat’s all-time franchise leader in 3-pointers made and is arguably their biggest undrafted success story. He had plenty of huge moments and deep playoff runs during his time in Miami. The veteran sharpshooter still poses as a valuable rotation piece on a contending team.
It’s been rumored that Detroit is indeed willing to move on from Robinson after just one season with the Pistons.
He averaged 12.2 points on 41% shooting from 3-point range across 77 games played for them this past year. And there are a couple of ways that the Heat could still get their hands on bringing back Robinson and his efficient shooting ability this summer.
1. Sign-and-trade with Norman Powell
As mentioned, Detroit was interested in getting involved in the Giannis trade because they wanted Herro. The Pistons have been in the market for an experienced secondary playmaker to plug in next to Cade Cunningham. With Herro now being sent to Milwuakee, Detroit has reportedly shown interest in another 2025-26 Heat backcourt piece in Norman Powell, according to several sources.
Unless Powell is willing to take a significant pay cut— one that could see his $20+ million market value go as down to $12 million— it is going to be difficult for Miami to retain him. However, they are reportedly interested in orchestrating a sign-and-trade with Powell.
If the Pistons are truly targeting the 2026 All-Star, they could pose as a perfect partner to send back Robinson to the Heat in such a deal.
2. Pistons buyout or release Duncan Robinson
A buyout would be the best case scenario for the Heat to add Robinson. It would still give Robinson some of what he is owed for the remainder of his contract, and fall right back into Miami’s lap for potentially a discounted deal as a free agent.
A Robinson buyout or release only became a possibility following Detroit’s recent acquisition of Isaiah Joe— another sharpshooting backcourt option similar to Robinson. The Pistons traded for Joe on Friday from the OKC Thunder.
Only $2 million of Robinson’s $16.0 million cap hit in 2026-27 is guaranteed until January 10. Thus at least making such an idea a real possibility for the Pistons.
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Any way they could keep Simone? He was a solid tenth man type, pretty good from three point land.
That will be nice with Robinson’s knowledge of Spo’s defensive strategy, it will be easier for him to work on his defensive skills and his back courting tendency will be an added advantage over newbies to the Heat’s team.
no no no
While I would get some laughs seeing you deal with his return, I must agree that we don’t need Duncan part deux.
nor simone part deux