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Here’s how the Detroit Pistons could use the disabled player exception

By Aaron Ferguson

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 11: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons hi-fives fans after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 11, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 11: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons hi-fives fans after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 11, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Blake Griffin’s injury was another moment in a disappointing Detroit Pistons season but it could prove fruitful with the disabled player exception.

The Detroit Pistons are cap-strapped and have a full roster but they applied for the disabled player exception anyway, and it could be helpful over the next four weeks.

The Pistons (14-26) have likely lost Blake Griffin for the season after having his second knee surgery in eight months. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Pistons applied for the disabled player exception valued at $9.2 million.

Detroit can’t take advantage of the exception until it clears a roster spot. The exception can’t be used to go over the salary cap either, so if the Pistons want to use it they’ll need to clear a roster spot.

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That could be as simple as waiving a player, a candidate could be Khyri Thomas since he hasn’t played this season and had a disappointing rookie year in which he shot 31.9% from the floor. But the most likely opportunity would be through a trade, in which Andre Drummond, Langston Galloway and Luke Kennard have all drawn interest so far.

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Everyone is available according to the Detroit Free Press’ Vince Ellis. But due to salary-matching purposes for players with a larger contract, or to get fair value in young assets the Pistons would likely have to waive players to free up roster spots for a trade. Thus, it seems unlikely the Pistons will ultimately use the DPE.

But its great to have options heading into a busy four-week stretch full of trade rumors and signings. One way the Pistons could use it is to trade straight up for a young player needing a fresh start, such as Kyle Kuzma, that could fit alongside Kennard and Sekou Doumbouya to build for the future. Again, the hurdles to get there are difficult and unlikely but the Pistons are in a position, with $51 million in guaranteed money heading into this summer, to use the DPE to set themselves up nicely for the future.

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The Pistons have had a disappointing season that has been full of surprises. But Griffin’s injury could prove fruitful if Detroit could use the disabled player exception to impact its roster beyond this season.

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