The Detroit Pistons will pay the final game of the season tonight against the Miami Heat with a number of interesting subplots.
They are still vying for the second-worst record in the NBA, which the Pistons can secure with a loss.
There are still young players like Saddiq Bey, Saben Lee and Killian Hayes trying to get reps and fighting for future roles, so even though the Pistons are not expected to win tonight, there are still things to play for.
For seven different Pistons, this could be their last game with the team, as they are free agents who Detroit may or may not retain.
Here are the seven potential free agents and the chances they’ll be back with the Detroit Pistons next season.
Detroit Pistons free agents: Very unlikely to be back
- Dennis Smith Jr.
- Rodney McGruder
- Cory Joseph
Dennis Smith Jr. had some nice moments but was hurt for a lot of his time with the Pistons and didn’t show enough to warrant a future spot on the roster unless he was willing to take a two-way deal. If so, there might be some interest but if he can get a guaranteed contract somewhere else, he is gone.
Rodney McGruder’s money is not guaranteed until after July 15th, so the Pistons can dump him before then and pick up some cap space, which is certainly what they will do.
Cory Joseph will be owed $12.5 million if the Pistons fully guarantee his contract, which would be insane and isn’t going to happen. There might be some mutual interest in him returning if they can work out a deal for the small portion he is guaranteed, but I think Joseph has played his last game as a Piston.