When Troy Weaver and the Detroit Pistons traded for Hamidou Diallo, it was with the future in mind.
He will be a restricted free agent that the Pistons will definitely try to retain in the offseason, especially after shipping out Svi Mykhailiuk and a second-round pick to get him.
Diallo already looks like a steal for the Pistons and has played well in his three games, showcasing an all-around game that should fit perfectly with the core of Killian Hayes, Saddiq Bey, Jerami Grant and Isaiah Stewart.
Diallo has shown a versatile defensive game, a ton of energy and an offensive game that is rapidly improving. It’s not hyperbole to say that if Diallo can add more range to his jumper than he has All-Star potential, as he is only 22-years-old and has improved every year he’s been in the league.
Troy Weaver appears to have done it again and obviously has a nose for undervalued talent as we’ve seen with guys like Grant, Delon Wright and Mason Plumlee.
Hamidou Diallo looks like a piece of the Pistons’ young core, but what is it going to take to re-sign him?
Detroit Pistons: How much will Hamidou Diallo get on his next deal?
To get a sense of what Hamidou Diallo might be worth on the open market, we have to look at players who are producing at a similar level and are around the same age.
There are three contracts out there that seem reasonable for Diallo given what we’ve seen and what he could potentially be.
Malik Beasley, Josh Richardson and Dillon Brooks are are players who have a similar profile and were around Diallo’s age when they got their current deals.
Beasley got four years/$60 million from the Timberwolves, which they probably regret given his off-the-court issues.
Josh Richardson got 4 years/ $41 million and Dillon Brooks contract is for 3 years/ $35 million.
In my opinion, Hamidou Diallo’s next deal will probably be in this range, and could end up being a bargain if he continues to improve.
Diallo fits the mold of the positionless and long defenders Weaver is trying to build around, he plays with energy and hustle and is ascending, so $10 million per season could end up being a good deal.
This could mean trading Josh Jackson in the offseason to clear some more cap space, but that’s ok, as they are similar players but Diallo is better.
Hamidou Diallo was a great pick up for the Detroit Pistons, who finally have some young talent to continue to build around.