The Detroit Pistons are making significant roster moves as they prepare for the postseason, promoting two-way forward Tolu Smith to their standard NBA roster while parting ways with 2024 draft pick Bobi Klintman.
Agent Corey Marcum confirmed the transaction to ESPN, revealing that Smith will receive a new standard two-year contract with the Pistons. "The Pistons are promoting two-way player Tolu Smith to their 15-man roster and will sign him to a new standard two-year contract," said Marcum in his announcement.
Smith, who went undrafted out of Mississippi State in 2024, initially signed a two-year, two-way deal with Detroit in January 2025. The 6'11" forward has seen limited NBA action this season, making just 13 appearances in 2025/26, though several have come in recent weeks. He contributed eight points and three rebounds in 13 minutes during Monday's game in Orlando.
The Mississippi State product has been far more productive in the G League, where he averaged 19.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.5 blocks in 28.7 minutes per game across 26 appearances for the Motor City Cruise this season.
This promotion makes Smith eligible for postseason play, providing Detroit with additional frontcourt depth that wouldn't have been available had he remained on his two-way contract.
To accommodate Smith's promotion, the Pistons needed to create an opening on their full 15-man roster. Detroit Free Press reporter Omari Sankofa II confirmed the corresponding move, stating, "The Pistons are waiving Klintman to open up a 15-man roster spot." Sankofa added via Twitter that "Smith's new contract will be non-guaranteed in 2026/27."
Klintman, the 23-year-old Swedish forward selected 37th overall in the 2024 draft, has struggled to find consistent playing time with Detroit. He made just 20 NBA appearances since being drafted, including 12 this season, and wasn't owed any guaranteed money beyond the current season, making him a logical candidate for release.
The move represents Detroit's continued roster evaluation as they build around their young core. Smith's strong G League performance and recent NBA minutes apparently convinced the front office he offered more immediate value than Klintman, who never established himself in the rotation.
With the postseason approaching, Detroit gains additional frontcourt insurance while maintaining financial flexibility with Smith's non-guaranteed second year. The decision underscores the competitive nature of roster spots on rebuilding teams and the importance of G League performance in earning NBA opportunities.
