The Detroit Pistons have placed Bobi Klintman on waivers. This decision opens a path for a replacement on the roster, with multiple reports indicating that undrafted 25-year-old Tolu Smith has signed a two-year contract with the Pistons. Klintman made 12 appearances in the NBA season with Detroit, according to official sources.
He was drafted in the second round in 2024 as the 37th overall pick, the official sources added. Another team can take over Bobi Klintman's contract within 48 hours. If no other team claims Bobi Klintman, he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Major media reports suggest Klintman had a clause that allowed the club to terminate his contract by summer, though the specific contract terms he had with Detroit Pistons remain unclear. The reasons why Detroit Pistons decided to place Bobi Klintman on waivers now are not publicly known. According to SVT Sport, expert Nick Rajacic described the situation as a sad day for Swedish basketball and Bobi Klintman.
Rajacic said this news is emotionally difficult. He also noted that Klintman has all the tools to play in the NBA. According to SVT Sport, Rajacic further described that Klintman must start getting playing time and play real, serious matches to show his quality.
Rajacic claimed agent Michael Tellem is trying to live up to his father's name and that Klintman was taken because his father is a decision-maker in the organization, not because they really wanted him. The response from Klintman's agent Michael Tellem to these allegations has not been disclosed. Whether another NBA team will claim Bobi Klintman within 48 hours is uncertain, and his future plans if he becomes a free agent are also unknown.
The Pistons' roster move comes as the team continues to evaluate its lineup for the upcoming season, with Klintman's departure potentially signaling a shift in their developmental strategy. Klintman's brief NBA stint highlights the challenges faced by second-round picks in securing long-term roles, and his waiver status will be closely monitored by teams seeking young talent. The addition of Tolu Smith, an undrafted player, suggests the Pistons are exploring alternative avenues to bolster their roster depth.