Shawne Williams began the season with the Heat, who traded him to the Pelicans in a deal centered on Norris Cole.
New Orleans waived Williams, but he won’t hit free agency.
The Pistons, who opened a couple roster spots with their trade-deadline-day deals, claimed Williams.
Williams, who has a minimum salary this season and an unguaranteed minimum salary for next season, can help Detroit at either forward position. Stan Van Gundy said he likes Williams more as a stretch four, but the Pistons have a bigger need at small forward. Currently, they’re relying on the past-their-primes Tayshaun Prince and Caron Butler and also signed Quincy Miller to a 10-day contract.
The 29-year-old Williams is a 3-point-shooting specialist who has made 39.5 percent of his shots from beyond the arc this season. He has the length to do a little more, but it’s unlikely he does.