Evaluating the Detroit Pistons interest in free agent target Fred VanVleet

The Detroit Pistons reportedly have interest in signing restricted free agent Fred VanVleet this summer. VanVleet could be the point guard the Pistons need.

The Detroit Pistons are reportedly interested in signing current Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet when he hits restricted free agency in 2020.

Detroit was the only team mentioned to be giving a serious look at VanVleet by ESPN’s Zach Lowe on The Lowe Post podcast.

“That team across the lake in Detroit will take a hard look at him,” he said.

The podcast goes on to mention the love Toronto has for VanVleet and Pascal Siakam, referencing that trading Norman Powell may be needed for financial reasons. Though with bird rights and as a restricted free agent, the Raptors would be able to go over the cap to sign VanVleet.

One issue for the Raptors is extending Kyle Lowry one more year. The 33-year-old and the Raptors agreed to a $31 million contract for the 2020-21 season, which makes his trade value go up.

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Though coming off the NBA Championship and losing Kawhi Leonard, the Raptors are in the mix to host a playoff series. They sit fourth in the Eastern Conference at 21-10 and are 14-6 against the East.

Toronto has some decisions to make. Detroit will have the ability to sign VanVleet to a healthy extension with up-to $44 million in cap space if everyone declines their player options. That includes Andre Drummond‘s $28.8 million option, Tony Snell‘s $12.2 million and Markieff Morris‘s $3.36 million.

Detroit’s point guard position has unknown variables with only Derrick Rose signed beyond the 2019-20 season. He’s slated to make $7.68 million next season.

Reggie Jackson, who played in the first two games of the season but has been sidelined with a back injury, will have his $18.1 million coming off the books. Tim Frazier signed a one-year, minimum deal that will also clear space – financially and on the roster.

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VanVleet was undrafted in 2016 and signed a deal with the Raptors. He’s produced ever since. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound guard out of Rockord, Illinois is averaging 18.1 points, 7 assists and 2 steals per game as a full-time starter.

The Pistons should have significant interest in him as Dwane Casey played a large part in VanVleet becoming what he is.

“’Case was huge for me,” VanVleet told the Detroit Free Press during the playoff run. “He believed in me, he gave me a shot when most people thought I didn’t belong in the NBA.

“They brought me here and obviously I put the work in to become a pretty good player, but the head coach has to have the wherewithal to throw you out there on the court, into the fire.”

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Bringing VanVleet to the Motor City is aided by a connection and Toronto’s unique cap situation. Casey knows how the fourth-year guard fits in his system. As a guy who limits turnovers (11.7% career turnover rate) and is a skilled playmaker (29.1% assist rate in 2019-20), VanVleet could be the floor general to lead the Pistons out of mediocrity as an experienced winner at Wichita State and now in the NBA.

He’s have plenty of 3-point shooters to space the floor with multiple Pistons converting three’s at a career rate. Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk is one who is seeing a second-year surge. Luke Kennard has proven his ability to shoot consistently. Christian Wood would certainly benefit as a shooter and slashing towards the basket.

The list goes on.

It’s unlikely the Pistons could angle a trade to expedite the process. They don’t have the pieces to make an offer. Toronto is probably more likely to ship Lowry over the 25-year-old VanVleet in hopes of re-signing him.

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It’s an interesting twist that would be the most prolific Pistons free agency signing in years and is one that could pull them out of meddling mediocrity.

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