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What’s next for the Detroit Pistons this summer?

By Brenden Welper

DETROIT, MI - JUNE 20: Dwane Casey talks while being introduced as the Detroit Pistons new head coach next to team owner Tom Gores at Little Caesars Arena on June 20, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JUNE 20: Dwane Casey talks while being introduced as the Detroit Pistons new head coach next to team owner Tom Gores at Little Caesars Arena on June 20, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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With the coaching search and NBA draft now behind them, the Detroit Pistons can truly begin their preparation for the 2018-19 season. So what comes next for the franchise this summer?

The dog days of the NBA off-season usually start in August. By that point, free-agent signings, trades, and all other drama have come to a screeching halt.

But for the Pistons, their dog days will arrive much earlier than usual. Very little should change for this club in the following months.

Here’s a look at what’s next for Detroit moving forward.

Free Agency

July 1 is basically the Christmas morning of the NBA off-season. It’s the first day where free agents can begin negotiating with other teams.

This year’s free-agent class is packed with superstar talent. But the Pistons won’t be participating in the annual frenzy. They’re well above the projected salary cap.

Barring a trade that could shed some bad contracts (which likely won’t happen), the roster you see today is the same one you’ll see in October.

Summer League

Something the Pistons will be participating in is the Las Vegas Summer League. According to Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press, Henry Ellenson, Luke Kennard, Bruce Brown and Kyrhi Thomas will all be on Detroit’s team. The full roster will be announced at a later date.

The league itself tips off on July 2. But the Pistons won’t begin their schedule until July 7 against the Milwaukee Bucks. Each team will play three games before the league-wide tournament begins on July 11. The Pistons’ schedule can be found in the tweet below.

Ellenson will be playing in his third-consecutive Summer League, while Kennard will appear in his second. Fans will also get their first glance at Brown and Thomas in NBA-like action. For the first time ever, all 30 teams are competing in the same event.

Front-office additions?

It’s the worst-kept secret that Ed Stefanski is acting as the de-facto general manager. There have been reports that the Pistons are interested in bringing younger talent to the front office.

Detroit offered Malik Rose a position last week. But he has yet to accept or deny the opening. Regardless of whether or not Rose joins the Pistons, it’s clear that Stefanski runs the show – at least for now.

Next: Detroit Pistons: Diving into the 2018 draft night and results

He has served as general manger for both the Philadelphia 76ers and the former New Jersey Nets (now Brookly Nets). Stefanski also was vice-president of basketball operations and player personnel in Toronto and Memphis, respectively.

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