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What Can the Detroit Pistons Do in Free Agency?

By Richard Davisson

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 25: Jae Crowder #99 of the Utah Jazz in action during a game against the Phoenix Suns at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 25, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 25: Jae Crowder #99 of the Utah Jazz in action during a game against the Phoenix Suns at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 25, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 28: Jae Crowder #99 of the Utah Jazz reacts to a play during the game against the Denver Nuggets on February 28, 2019 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 28: Jae Crowder #99 of the Utah Jazz reacts to a play during the game against the Denver Nuggets on February 28, 2019 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Option 4 – Trade Langston Galloway for a More Expensive Contract

The only reason to take this approach from the Pistons’ perspective is if you can get a serious contributor in the trade. The Pistons are willing to part with their two second round picks from the Lakers and Blazers, so who could be available that might fit into that category?

Jae Crowder, Kyle Korver, and C.J. Miles are all expiring wing options that are on a Memphis Grizzlies roster that doesn’t seem intent on making the playoffs this year. One non-Grizzlies option that makes even more money is Andre Roberson and his $10 million cap hit. If I knew Roberson was healthy, I might explore bringing in the lockdown defender even if he is a non-shooter.

Nevertheless, Jae Crowder is the ideal target. The 3&D wing is on an expiring deal that is only half a million more than Galloway. Memphis isn’t in the best situation regarding their draft picks so they may be open to Crowder for Galloway and those two second rounders. Let’s make this happen.

With another veteran wing in the rotation, the Pistons can continue to spend the full MLE on point guards and minimums on centers. Perhaps they could look to bring in two former Bulls in Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah on those respective deals. Let’s give Rose a two-year $19 million deal and Noah the vet minimum for one year.

The Pistons could hope to bring back fan-favorite, Anthony Tolliver, at the veteran minimum for one year to get to 14 players.

Reflection

Being able to trade for Crowder seems a little too good to be true, although it makes sense if Memphis cannot find a better deal. Galloway’s trade market is limited, but if the Pistons do depart from him, I would expect those second round picks to move on as well.